Islamic Republic President continues to make the news by commenting about COVID-19 vaccination on a daily basis. Hassan Rouhani claimed 13 million will be vaccinated by July 22, which include all vulnerable people. He had made similar bold assertions in the past few days. Rouhani said even though domestic vaccine is a priority, but time should not be wasted because people’s lives depend on it. He did not mention anything about Iran being behind many countries in immunization. According to the Ministry of Health data, since February 9, 2021, only 276,667 have been fully vaccinated while 1,655,411 shots have been administered.
Health experts warn Indian and South African coronavirus variants are circulating in the country. However, Islamic Propaganda Organization is determined to hold Eid Fitr prayers across the country, even in orange and red areas. Ali Nouri claimed the prayers will be held according to National Task Force’s “Smart Management Plan” in yellow and blue cities. He did not offer any details about this “plan.” On the other hand, Deputy Health Minister Harirchi criticized this decision and said, “coronavirus does not act based on ideology. Whether it’s celebration, prayers or party, it will act.” Dr. Iraj Harirchi stated many organizations look for their “share” in determining COVID-19 restrictions! In the meantime, Khuzestan officials warn about Eid Fitr gatherings and predict another breakout of COVID-19 after the holidays.
Meanwhile, Islamic Republic officials celebrate the end of another coronavirus wave which devastated the entire nation, while medical professionals warn the wave is not over and any complacency will lead to resurgence of the virus.
The Ministry of Health Spokesperson claimed 386 died of COVID-19 in Iran in the past 24 hours while 14,141 tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Sima Sadat Lari did not offer any details about specific variants of cases. Iran Medical Board officials admit the real numbers are at least 3 times higher than the daily reports. The graphs vividly illustrate the coronavirus crisis in Iran.
R0: 3.72
Total: 2,654,811 (+14,141)
Dead: 74,910 (+386)
Recovered: 2,109,702
Critical: 5,538 (-7)
Active Cases: 470,199 (-3,566)
Tests: 17,069,126 (20.3% of the population, assuming each test was performed on 1 person)
Cover: Reza Ghaderi
