After weeks of warnings from the health experts about Omicron variant causing a new wave of COVID-19 in Iran, Islamic Republic continued its reckless reopening of schools, universities and all other businesses based on the “smart quarantine” plan which allows anybody with 2-dose vaccination to roam freely! Today, as Yalda Night approaches, the Islamic Republic officials announced the first confirmed case of Omicron in Tehran who had entered the country from UAE and asserted the person has infected 4 of his family members as well, but their variant is “under investigation.” Head of the Infectious Disease Center of the Ministry of Health said 2 more “suspected” cases are being monitored as well.
Members of the Scientific Committee of the National COVID-19 Task Force demanded the regime to enforce lockdown and close schools. Dr. Tabarsi warned there is approximately a 17-day window to control the Omicron from spreading in the country and becoming the dominant variant. He emphasized that “now is the time to act and bring back lockdown!” However, Islamic Republic officials insist on the “smart quarantine!” Health experts ask people and the regime to expedite the administration of their 3rd shot, but according to official data, less than 60% have received 2 doses of these vaccines used in Iran.
The majority of vaccines used in Iran are the ineffective Sinopharm and COVIran Barekat. WHO recommends 3 doses of the Chinese shot to be “fully vaccinated” and COVIran Barekat, the Khamenei’s vaccine, has failed to publish its data and proven to be the rebranded version of Sinopharm. Ministry of Health data indicate only 3,772,199 (4.49% of Iran population) have received 3 doses.
Additionally, shortage of medicines in Iran deteriorates by the day. Deputy Head of Pharmacists Association of Iran expressed his concern about “the shortage reaching critical level!” Dr. Fatemi criticized the government for removing subsidized currency rate for medicines and warned that prices will multiply by 20 and many could not afford to buy their vital medicine.
On the other hand, the acting director of PR office of the Ministry of Health made it clear that all COVID-19 information and news must pass through the Ministry’s filter first! Namaki, former Health Minister, had placed the same order when Alpha and Delta variants were killing thousands of Iranians. The Islamic Republic has a long history of stifling free flow of information and citizen reporters.
The Ministry of Health Spokesperson claimed 50 have died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours and 1,968 tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Professor of Epidemiology at Tehran University believes these numbers must be multiplied by 7 and Civil Registration Organization data show more than 313,000 have died of the disease since February 2020. Graphs illustrate the ongoing crisis in Iran and forming of the new wave.
R0: 1.69
Total: 6,169,011 (+1,968)
Dead: 131,033 (+50)
Recovered: 5,999,860
Critical: 2,876 (-33)
Active Cases: 35,619 (-2,499)
Total Tests: 40,774,033
Cover: Pouya Bazargard
