President of Islamic Republic claimed Iran is in a “good situation” concerning coronavirus epidemic, other than Khuzestan. Rouhani asserted even some of the cities in Khuzestan are downgraded to “orange” from “red.” He did admit the fourth wave of COVID-19 is not improbable! Chairman of the National Task Force asserted the group has had 481 ruling since it was established 13 months ago, and 99% of them have been implemented while the rest is being enforced. While there have been reports of chaos and objections among clerics about the health protocols and closing of holy shrines and mosques, Rouhani claimed ayatollahs have backed up the protocols throughout the epidemic.
Rouhani’s sermon in the weekly meeting of Task Force was like a victory speech, thanking Namaki and other Islamic Republic branches, especially the “Supreme Leader.” He also said more vaccines are to be imported in the next 14 days, claiming the vaccination will be accelerated. In the meantime, less than 0.5% of Iranians have been immunized with Russian Sputnik V and Chinese Sinopharm. COVAX’s AstraZeneca is the next batch to arrive Iran, which has been postponed several times so far.
Contrary to Rouhani’s assertion, Ministry of Health Spokesperson said the situation in the country is extremely fragile and the new UK variant is circulating across the country. Raisi, National Task Force Spokesman confirmed the mutated coronavirus has been confirmed in 28 of 31 provinces so far. Deputy Health Minister Harirchi admitted it’s not possible to tell people stay at home while they can’t afford to do so, however, none of these stop Rouhani from spouting off lies about the situation.
Kermanshah, Ilam, Kohgiloyeh-Boyerahmad, Hormozgan and Khuzestan continue reporting new confirmed UK variant cases and increasing number of COVID-19 patients. 16 new cases in Hormozgan in the past 24hrs have made provincial officials worried. Alborz reported a spike in hospitalizations and outpatient cases, warning new restrictions may be implemented. Kohgiloyeh-Boyerahmad officials upgraded 2 counties to red and orange, admitting and uptrend in the province, especially in Dena county, where Sisakht is. An official said gatherings for “elections” is one of the reasons for rise in coronavirus infections in Gachsaran. Tehran Corona Combating Committee reported 12% increase in hospitalizations from last week. Dr. Zali said the number of hospitalizations has surpassed the number of recoveries, predicting bleak future for the capital.
Dr Salmanzadeh criticized downgrading Khorramshahr and Shadegan from “red” to “orange” in Khuzestan, calling it “playing with colors and words.” He said this is not important and as long as even 1 case of the new variant is confirmed, it’s “red” status. Head of Abadan Medical College added, “what had changed that they changed the color of these 2 counties? Even in red status, all businesses were open and people shopping.” He quipped if this is red, it’s better even its name is not used! Salmanzadeh continued, there is no need to National Task Force guidelines when they are not enforced. Dr Ahmadi from Ahvaz Medical University admits COVID-19 is out of control in the city.
Ministry of Health Spokesperson presented her daily manipulated figures even though officials have admitted the real numbers are at least 3-4 times higher. Sima Sadat Lari announced 73 COVID-19 deaths in the past 24 hours in Iran while 7,802 tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Daily PCR tests remain in the same range while critical cases increase. Active cases keep rising as seen on the graphs.
R0: 3.88
Total: 1,739,360 (+7,802)
Dead: 61,142 (+73)
Recovered: 1,485,179
Critical: 3,836 (+7)
Admitted: 193,039 (+138)
Tests: 11,588,441 (14.0% of the population, assuming each test was performed on 1 person)
