“Omicron variant could enter Iran through sea ports and other borders, we must be prepared,” Head of Aban Medical College warns. Dr. Salmanzadeh mentioned that when a variant of the novel coronavirus spreads in one area, it will spread throughout the world eventually. Dr. Abolnejadian from Ahvaz Medical University reiterated the same point, demanding the government to control the borders and sea ports more rigorously. He specifically mentioned UAE as a point of entry! Another official of Khuzestan province emphasized on quarantine bases to become prepared. Markazi Deputy Governor expressed his worry about the ominous Omicron as well, saying the worry should be transferred to the society! It is notable, Islamic Republic took the same “measures” against Delta, but since none of its “protocols” have been implemented properly – ever – the Omicron could easily enter the country and begin another wave of COVID-19.
Furthermore, the vaccines used in Iran, especially Sinopharm which comprises of the majority of shots administered, have been proven ineffective against Delta and require 3 doses to be considered as “fully immune!” According to official data, since February 9, total of 104,609,358 shots have been administered, of those, only 46,328,337 (55.15% of Iran population) have received 2 shots. In the meantime, merely 948,168 (1.12% of population) are jabbed 3 times.
On the other hand, the people mistrust in the government has caused a huge rift leading to lower vaccination rate by the day. Gilan Governor asked the medical university to be more proactive in expanding 2nd and 3rd dose of vaccination across the province. Head of Hamedan Medical University admitted “a big part of teachers in Hamedan has not received any vaccine yet!” Kerman Governor demands 90% vaccination coverage while less than 60% have received 2 doses, let alone 3. Zeynivand also announced the anniversary of Qassem Soleimani will be held according to the plan and “everything is ready for pilgrims!”
Despite the Ministry of Health showing Mazandaran as “blue” throughout, provincial officials continue to express their concern about high number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Khuzestan authorities reported a spike in cases in 3 counties of the province, as well.
The Ministry of Health Spokesperson claimed 87 have died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours and 3,045 tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Professor of Epidemiology at Tehran University believes these numbers must be multiplied by 7 and Civil Registration Organization data show more than 309,000 have died of the disease since February 2020. Graphs illustrate the ongoing crisis in Iran and forming of the new wave.
R0: 1.90
Total: 6,105,101 (+3,045)
Dead: 129,549 (+87)
Recovered: 5,853,066
Critical: 3,356 (-16)
Active Cases: 122,486 (-8,238)
Total Tests: 38,439,240
Cover: Fatemeh Rahimavian
