National COVID-19 Task Force Spokesman said as soon as the emergency use authorization is issued by the Ministry of Health for Soberana 02 (Iran-Cuba collaboration) and COVIran Barekat, they will enter the vaccination program! Dr. Raisi claimed everything has gone well with the two vaccines and the final meeting for their approval is next Monday!
In the meantime, Secretary of National Scientific Committee admitted there is shortage of the second dose for vaccines used in Iran. Dr. Atefeh Abedini said the second dose must be administered 21-90 days after the first dose and Ministry of Health is doing its best to make it happen! According to the official data, since February 9, only 530,117 have received their second shots while total of 4,442,996 doses have been administered. Ministry of Health also issued a statement regarding the second shots! The statement reads: There are problems in importing the vaccines but not to worry!
Dr. Abedini warned about the fifth wave of coronavirus, predicting the Indian (Delta) variant will be dominant by then. She expressed her worry about the increasing number of cases in southern provinces. In response to some videos on social media showing the jab location on arms become magnetic, Abedini said it is being investigated but speculated it could be due to the mercury used in the vaccines used in Iran. She assured people this is not dangerous!
FDA Spokesman, who was adamant 7million doses will arrive in Iran by June 22, retracted his previous statement and “apologized” for the delay in full vaccination of people. Dr. Jahanpur even said it is better to delay the second dose to excuse the Islamic Republic’s shortcoming in securing enough vaccines for Iranians.
Meanwhile, provincial officials report increasing number of coronavirus cases and COVID-19 hospitalizations. Hormozgan Medical University Spokesperson announced record breaking cases in 24 hours. Dr. Norouzian reported 874 positive test results, one every 98 seconds! Kohgiloyeh-Boyerahmad Governor convened an emergency meeting to address the rise in cases and hospitalizations across the province. Fars officials warned about reduction in protocols compliance and the fifth wave of coronavirus. Mazandaran reports a spike in cases too.
Ministry of Health Spokesperson claimed 11,620 tested positive for the novel coronavirus and 161 died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours in Iran. The official figures have been scrutinized since day 1 of the epidemic 16 months ago, even Iran Medical Board authorities admitted the real numbers are at least 3 times higher than the daily reports. Graphs vividly depict the history of the crisis mismanagement by the Islamic Republic.
R0: 3.23
Total: 2,935,443 (+11,620)
Dead: 80,488 (+161)
Recovered: 2,494,108
Critical: 4,005 (-59)
Active Cases: 360,847 (-5,053)
Tests: 20,183,510 (24.0% of the population, assuming each test was performed on 1 person)
Cover: IRNA – “Imam Khomeini” hospital in Ahvaz
