While Islamic Republic Ministry of Health reports 500+ daily COVID-19 deaths and increasing number of coronavirus infections, National COVID-19 Task Force Spokesman says 22 of 31 provinces have passed the fifth wave peak and the other 9 are flattening the curve. Dr. Raisi also announced arrival of 5million Sinopharm doses, claiming 14 million more will be imported by next week, and 30million by October 21. He said the imported vaccines will be enough for 61.2m people who are eligible to receive a shot. He admitted only 4m doses of COVIran Barekat has been distributed across the country, reminding the fact that “homegrown vaccine” projects were all to plunder taxpayers’ money.
Meanwhile, another “domestic vaccine” makes the news. Ashtiani, Defense Minister of the Islamic Republic, announced “Fakhra”, named after Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, has passed its first and second phase of clinical trial, beginning its third and is approved for emergency use. According to him, Fakhra will be added to the vaccination basket in “the next few days.” Ashtiani claimed 1m doses could be manufactured every month and this will be multiplied “soon.” COO of the project asserted there would reach 5m per month capacity by November! More than a year go, IRGC announced the launch of “Mostaan-110,” which failed miserably later and millions were spent on it. 4 days ago, Dr. Ghaneie, member of National Task Force, stated “Fakhra has not published any results yet.” It is worth mentioning, COVIran Barekat which is currently being used in Iran, has not published its results in peer-reviewed journals either.
The Ministry of Health claimed total of 32,409,627 shots have been administered in Iran while only 11,280,698 (13.42% of population) are fully vaccinated with ineffective vaccines. Lorestan continues with “black days” and Alborz reports 29 confirmed COVID-19 deaths in one day and more than 3,300 hospitalized patients.
In the meantime, the new Interior Minister appointed a former IRGC commander and one of COVIDIOTS as the new head of Corona Operations Base, responsible for implementing National Task Force restrictions and rules. MohammadHossein Sepehr believed COVID-19 will be eradicated if people gather for religious ceremonies and Islamic Republic “elections!” Previously, he was a member of the “vaccination task force”, appointed by Saeed Namaki. Another proof that administrations do not make decisions in Iran.
Despite all warnings and Delta variant being rampant across the country, Friday Prayers are to be held in Gilan and other provinces. Islamic Republic continues to push for Arbaeen gatherings and march as well, speeding up the vaccination to make more people eligible to enter Iraq.
The Ministry of Health Spokesperson claimed 505 died of COVID-19 in Iran in the past 24 hours and 26,821 tested positive for the novel coronavirus. These numbers must be multiplied by 7 according to Professor Holakoui of Tehran University. Civil Registration Organization stats indicate more than 275,000 have passed away from the disease. Graphs illustrate the five waves vividly.
R0: 2.71
Total: 5,237,799 (+26,821)
Dead: 112,935 (+505)
Recovered: 4,481,814
Critical: 7,486 (-48)
Active Cases: 643,050 (-1,847)
Total Tests: 29,990,411
Cover: Haddadi Asl
