While Dr Minoo Mohraz, a member of National Task Force, had said coronavirus vaccine would be imported from Sweden soon, Rouhani’s Chief of Staff said, “First batch of Russian coronavirus vaccine will arrive by February 10.” February 10, is the anniversary of 1979 Islamic Revolution! Vaezi added, 2 million doses are to be purchased and delivered in 3 batches by March 20 (end of Persian year). The Russian vaccine, Sputnik V, has been widely scrutinized by scientists and its efficacy questioned.
Saeed Namaki spoke about increasing cases in Golestan and Gilan in the north, Hormozgan in the south, “worried about the surge of coronavirus again.” The Islamic Republic Health Minister reported on the vaccine situation with some vague comments. According to him, 4 “reliable sources” are on the line to be “registered” in Iran, 1 in Russia, 1 in Europe, 1 in China and 2 in India. On the other hand, Islamic Republic Defense Ministry’s vaccine called “Milad-e-Noor” has been approved by “ethics committee” to start its human trial!
48 student organizations from universities across Iran have issued a statement criticizing regime’s “secrecy” over coronavirus crisis and calling for transparency on the mechanism and origins of vaccines claimed to be purchased for Iranians. The students rebuke the role of “irrational”, “self-righteousness and superstition” beliefs in making vital decisions for millions of people. They also criticized Khamenei’s decision on banning vaccines made in US, UK and France. They demanded the “irrational” ban to be lifted and coronavirus vaccine to be provided for people as soon as possible.
The number of cases is on the rise across the country. More provinces report alarming numbers and call on people to abide by the protocols. Qazvin, Alborz, North Khorasan and Fars have recorded more cases, warning “blue” cities are turning “orange” in near future. Khuzestan reports the first case of UK fast-spreading variant who had returned from Netherlands. This brings the total reported cases of UK to 7 in Iran. In the meantime, reopening high risk businesses continue, including wedding venues, funerals, sporting events and tourist attractions.
Air pollution remains a concern for Iranians and health experts. Head of National Air Center said the particles polluting air in metropolitan areas of the country are less than 2.5micron in size which according to WHO are considered first grade carcinogenic and on par with radioactive material.
Sima Sadat Lari announced her daily undercounted and manipulated data. The data presented today indicate an increase in the number of cases for the fourth day in a row. 91 died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours in Iran while 6,608 tested positive for coronavirus. Testing remains in the same range but positivity rate keeps rising. It reached 12.06% compared to 11.63% yesterday.
Basic Reproduction Rate (R0) and graphs depict the beginning of the next coronavirus peak in Iran while 11+ months of crisis reaches a new high!
R0: 4.19
Total: 1,392,314 (+6,608)
Dead: 57,651 (+91)
Recovered: 1,183,463
Critical: 4,024 (-14)
Admitted: 151,200 (+421)
Tests: 9,70,167 (10.9% of the population, assuming each test was performed on 1 person)
