Islamic Republic Health Minister admitted the Delta Plus variant is ravaging through the neighboring countries and “we are worried!” Head of Tehran Corona Combating Committee reiterated the point, mentioning Russia and asking that borders to be controlled more vigorously. A déjà vu. Exactly the same scenario happened before the fifth wave of COVID-19 in Iran, dominant by Delta. Despite all warnings, borders were reopened, all protocols were taken lightly and religious gatherings reached its height. The same wave that today Eynollahi called it a “national disaster!” Health Minister, however, insisted on reopening schools and has allowed reopening borders to Russian visitors where Delta Plus has led the country to a strict lockdown.
Eynollahi repeated his previous claim about reaching the 80% mark for “fully vaccinated” by December, and wants to have a celebration for the occasion, after thousands of Iranians were killed by COVID-19 during the “national disaster” and Khamenei had banned reliable vaccines. According to WHO, people who receive Sinopharm should get 3 doses to be considered vaccinated. Ministry of Health has announced that only 39,465,958 (46.98% of population) have received 2 doses of these vaccines since February 9. Sinopharm, the major vaccine used in Iran, has been proven ineffective against the Delta variant.
Mr. Health Minister also claimed 150million doses of vaccines have been imported so far and about 25million doses of “domestic vaccines” have been delivered to the Ministry. He boasted about his role and coordination with Raisi and Mokhber as the reasons for “successful vaccination!” in the country. Eynollahi emphasized that the current 5 “domestic vaccines“- Fakhra, COVIran Barekat, Sinagen, PastoCOVac, COVPars- are enough for the future use and they will also be used for the “third dose!”
Meanwhile, provinces continue to report increasing number of cases and hospitalizations. Mazandaran has more than 430 hospitalized, Fars admitted 320 in 24 hours only, and officials confessed the COVID-19 is getting momentum again.
The Ministry of Health Spokesperson claimed 140 have died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours and 8,341 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 305,000 have died of the disease since February 2020. Graphs illustrate the ongoing crisis in Iran and forming of the new wave.
R0: 2.04
Total: 5,996,155 (+8,341)
Dead: 127,439 (+140)
Recovered: 5,615,460
Critical: 3,669 (-18)
Active Cases: 253,256 (-5,495)
Total Tests: 36,391,778
Cover: Foroogh Taherkhani
