Concerning Increase in Coronavirus Cases in Six Iranian Provinces
The coronavirus outbreak is spreading in six Iranian provinces. The percentage of hospitalizations among the 5-17 age group has also increased. The coronavirus situation has been declared “fragile” and officials have announced “good news” that they will import foreign coronavirus vaccines before producing domestic vaccines.
MohammadReza Zafargandi, head of Iran’s Medical System Organization, stated that evidence shows a concerning increase in the number of infected people and those seeking medical treatment following recent gatherings and travels. According to the head of the Medical System Organization, the increase in coronavirus in six provinces is clearly visible and causes serious concern.
Zafargandi emphasized that foreign vaccines must be imported as quickly as possible to break the disease cycle and its transmission chain.
However, the Islamic Republic of Iran has faced problems in vaccine provision following Ayatollah Khamenei’s opposition to the entry of “American and British vaccines” into Iran.
Health Minister’s “Good News” on Foreign Vaccine Imports
Saeid Namaki, Iran’s Health Minister, said on Sunday, the 5th of Bahman (January 24), regarding the import of foreign coronavirus vaccines: “Regarding the vaccine, I bring this good news that we have prepared the vaccine for vaccination before the arrival of our domestically produced vaccine, secured its resources, and in the coming days we will import the first batches of imported vaccine from reliable sources.”
The Health Minister, regarding the ban on importing coronavirus vaccines made by the United States, Britain, and France by Ayatollah Khamenei, stated “the Leader had no objection to vaccination with foreign vaccines approved before the production of domestic vaccines.”
However, the Health Minister emphasized that Iran is “fighting the coronavirus with empty pockets and an exhausted treasury.”
Holding the 22 Bahman Ceremony with Motorcycles and Cars
The head of Iran’s Medical System Organization reported the failure to observe health protocols and the increase in coronavirus patients, and recommended purchasing foreign coronavirus vaccines as soon as possible.
Alirezа Raisi, spokesman for the National Coronavirus Headquarters, however, said “with compliance with protocols, we have a relatively good situation.” He emphasized: “Currently, we have no red cities across the country, and the red cities in Mazandaran Province have turned orange. In total, we have 19 orange cities, 157 yellow cities, and 256 blue cities.”
The spokesman for the National Coronavirus Control Headquarters announced that this year’s 22 Bahman rally will not be held like before, and will only take place in the form of a motorcycle parade or the movement of vehicles. He also said that the 22 Bahman speech will be broadcast on national radio and television.
Education Should Continue to Be Virtual
Alirezа Zali, commander of coronavirus operations in Tehran metropolis, reported an increase in coronavirus cases among children and adolescents and recommended that, given the increase in coronavirus cases in the 5-17 age group, education should be virtual and optional.
According to Zali, the percentage of hospitalizations in the 5-17 age group has increased compared to other age groups.
Latest Coronavirus Statistics in Iran
Sima Sadat Lari, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Health, still described the coronavirus situation in the country as “fragile” and said that in these circumstances, one should not fall into “false optimism.”
The Ministry of Health spokesperson, citing the latest statistics from Sunday, the 5th of Bahman (January 24), reported the identification of 5,945 new coronavirus patients and 89 deaths in the past 24 hours.
According to this health ministry official, the total number of COVID-19 patients in Iran has now reached 1 million, 372 thousand, and 977 people, and the total number of deaths has surpassed 57 thousand and 683 people.
Source: DW
