Director of Islamic Republic Red Crescent Society said 2million COVID-19 vaccine doses were to arrive in Iran on Monday, but “hopefully” they will be imported tomorrow! Hemmati did not offer any more details about the source of the vaccines. However, he claimed that should help resolving the shortage in the country. At the same time, the regime’s Health Minister once again praised his work and management, claiming WHO has inquired about his “techniques!” Saeed Namaki asserted everything was made in Iran but failed to mention that all the delays cost people’s lives and coronavirus did not wait for the Islamic Republic to “achieve great goals and pride!” He called the homegrown vaccine as his one wish that has come true. COVIran Barekat has been “approved” for emergency use without publishing any results or even completed 3rd phase!
Several provinces are still waiting for the second dose of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine. Dr. Ghanei, Chairman of Scientific Committee at National COVID-19 Task Force, once again floated the idea of using COVIran Barekat as the second dose for Sinopharm and PastoCoVac for the ones who have received AstraZeneca and Sputnik V as their first dose. The idea was previously rejected by the National Task Force Spokesman, but second doses are becoming overdue, despite Islamic Republic officials’ claims! Ghanei, however, did not offer any details how PastoCoVac could be substituted for the specific second dose of Sputnik V! Sinopharm and COVIran are both based on inactivated virus. It is worth noting, these combinations have not been used in any other setting. However, this could be another evidence into rumors that the Islamic regime has never made any domestic vaccine and has rebranded Chinese and Russian vaccines.
Dr. Ghanei also claimed 1 dose vaccination is enough for immunization, while multiple studies and real world experience of other countries such as UK, with highest rate of 1 dose vaccination, suggest full 2 dose vaccination is required for desired immunity. UK officials have admitted Delta variant and possibly other variants are 1 dose evasive.
The slow inoculation of people at risk has caused massive outrage of the population. Tehran Fire Department Spokesman is one of those, rebuking the government for not prioritizing the firefighters who are in direct contact with the virus and COVID-19 patients. Official data show 869,983 (1.03% of population) have been fully vaccinated since February 9 while total of 5,232,944 shots are administered across the country.
In addition to Khamenei banning the UK and US made vaccines in January, Iran started the vaccination process later than many other countries. However, that has not stopped the IRGC and other connected mafia in the regime to import Pfizer and other vaccines, and pushing them through the black market. In a local report, physicians and patients admit Pfizer and all other jabs are available in the market for the “right price,” from 25 to 60 million Tomans!
On the other hand, the fifth wave of coronavirus has begun its surge from Hormozgan and Bushehr to other provinces. Hormozgan officials announced full hospitals in Bandar Abbas, the capital. Dr Norouzian, Spokesperson for the Medical University, reported 10% increase in hospitalizations in the past 24hours! Shiraz Medical University warned about rising infections in Fars province. Head of Shahr-e-Kord Medical University sounded the alarm on exhaustion of the healthcare staff if another wave hits hospitals. Dr. Shirani demanded that all gatherings be controlled and banned across Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari.
Ministry of Health Spokesperson continues presenting her manipulated daily reports. Sima Sadat Lari claimed 10,216 tested positive for the novel coronavirus and 134 died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours in Iran. According to Iran Medical Board officials, the real numbers are at least 3 times higher than what is reported. Ministry of Health refuses to provide specific variant information, despite Indian (Delta) and South African (Beta) being identified in many provinces. The graphs indicate an increase in deaths and cases in the past few days.
R0: 2.88
Total: 3,049,648 (+10,261)
Dead: 82,351 (+134)
Recovered: 2,683,210
Critical: 3,394 (-22)
Active Cases: 284,087 (-6,527)
Tests: 21,817,747 (25.9% of the population, assuming each test was performed on 1 person)
Cover: Koosha Mahshid Falahi
