While many countries have lifted their COVID-19 restrictions and vaccination has saved millions, Iran is being ravaged by the Delta variant of coronavirus, the fifth wave Iranians have to go through because Islamic Republic has decided to ban UK and US made vaccines and instead unveils a “new vaccine” every day with no proven results! According to health experts, about 300,000 Iranians have died of COVID-19, more than 3 times what Ministry of Health has reported.
Chairman of Tehran Corona Combating Committee confirmed increasing number of COVID-19 hospitalizations across the province, warning that hospitals in the capital must be prepared to face the fifth wave. Tehran Governor reiterated the same point, saying restrictions will be implemented in “red” counties. Head of Shiraz Medical University sounded the alarm for an epidemic of Delta variant, reporting Shiraz hospitals are filled with COVID-19 patients. Dr. Lotfi said “you can hear the sound of the fifth wave.” He reported 250 hospitalizations in the past 24hrs, a significant rise from the days before. Lotfi requested field hospitals to be ready in case of need.
Head of Infectious-diseases ward at “Imam Reza” hospital in Mashhad, the second biggest city in the country, confirmed the Delta variant is circulating in Khorasan Razavi province, alarming that Mashhad will turn “red” very soon, the latest in the next 10 days. Dr. Rozita Khodashahi clarified the dominant strain in Iran is Delta (Indian) and it has spread throughout the country making cities red one after the other. Khdashahi rebuked the use of colors for cities and said the system is pointless, because even 1 red city in Iran should be alarming and a sure sign that other cities will turn red soon.
Mazandaran reports spiking coronavirus infections and COVID-19 hospitalizations in recent days. Kermanshah officials warn about the fifth wave. Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari joined the list of provinces with red alarms for the next peak! Alborz recorded increasing number of cases too.
On the other hand, the slow and chaotic vaccination continues across the country. Long lines and empty promises by officials do not stop! In an interview, National COVID-19 Task Force Spokesman said 9.5million doses of vaccines will be available in the next 6 weeks! Dr. Raisi claimed, from next week, 1.7million doses of domestic and foreign vaccines will be ready to use every week. It is worth noting, Raisi had previously claimed 10million doses would be imported by June 22!
According to official data, since February 9, total of 5,804,286 shots have been administered while only 1,379,431 (1.64% of population) have received 2 doses.
Despite the dreadful situation in Iran, Deputy Head of Islamic Propaganda Organization announced 100-day plan to commemorate Muharram (Moharam). Harizavi stated no religious gathering or program will be cancelled due to COVID-19, especially Muharram. He added, the plan includes programs for 40 days before and 30 days during Muharram and 30 days Safar (the month after Muharram). It is notable, the Muharram (moharam) gatherings led to a new wave last year.
Ministry of Health Spokesperson presented her daily undercounted numbers, even though Iran Medical Board officials have admitted the real numbers are at least 3 times higher than the daily reports. Sima Sadat Lari claimed 140 died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours in Iran and 12,351 tested positive for the novel coronavirus, a significant increase from the day before, as seen on the graphs. She did not provide details about specific variants even though the Delta is raging through Iran.
R0: 2.80
Total: 3,180,092 (+12,351)
Dead: 83,985 (+140)
Recovered: 2,848,042
Critical: 3,185 (-5)
Active Cases: 248,065 (-198)
Tests: 23,421,222 (27.8% of the population, assuming each test was performed on 1 person)
Cover: Fatemeh Rahimavian
