Ebrahim Raisi claims “about 50million have been vaccinated in Iran” and it’s time to start “smart quarantine” and restrictions for COVID-19 pandemic. However, he is misinforming the public, as usual! One dose of vaccines, especially the ones used in Iran, Sinopharm and COVIran Barekat as the main ones, is not enough for any immunity. According to studies, 14 days after 2 doses of vaccines, in some population after a booster dose, vaccines such as Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca,… would be effective against Delta or other discovered strains of the coronavirus.
Islamic Propaganda Organization had pledged not to cancel any Muharram gathering, including Arbaeen. Despite days of denial by the Islamic Republic officials, from Police Chief to Interior Ministry, borders with Iraq were stormed with people and broke the barriers to reach Iraq for Arbaeen! Earlier, a plane filled with people in 2-stories without following any protocol on its way to Iraq was reported. On the other hand, Deputy head of Transportation Organization announced 2 land borders may open for the “pilgrims” and 2,500 buses are schedule to bring them to Iran, after the Arbaeen rituals. Health experts have warned about the Lambda variant and next wave of COVID-19 in Iran in November.
Khuzestan officials warn about the next wave happening in the province after Arbaeen “pilgrims” return through land borders. Dr. Alavi demanded quarantining the passengers. However, 2,500 buses crammed with people would be impossible to control.
Meanwhile, Delta continues its rampage. Fars reports 2-digit deaths in a day. Lorestan continues its critical days. And despite parents’ concerns, Islamic Republic officials insist on reopening schools for in-person classes. Students 12-18 years old are to be inoculated with an unapproved vaccine, Sinopharm, and regime’s response is: “It’s nobody’s business” how kids are vaccinated. National COVID-19 Task Force Spokesperson admitted not only students, but everybody present in the schools, including parents must receive their shots before schools could be fully reopened. However, many schools have already reopened!
The Ministry of Health claimed total of 49,789,504 shots have been administered in Iran since February 9, while only 15,219,824 (18.11% of population) are fully vaccinated with ineffective vaccines. The Spokesperson also asserted 280 died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours and 10,843 tested positive for the novel coronavirus. According to Civil Registration Organization data, more than 284,000 have died of the disease since February 2020. Professor Holakoui of Tehran University believes the real numbers are 7 times higher than the daily reports. Graphs illustrate the ongoing crisis in Iran for more than 19 months.
R0: 2.25
Total: 5,519,728 (+10,843)
Dead: 119,082 (+280)
Recovered: 4,920,978
Critical: 6,411 (-91)
Active Cases: 479,668 (-12,527)
Total Tests: 31,653,798
Cover: Fatemeh Rahimavian
