Corona in Iran; Eid al-Fitr prayers held across the country despite concerns over coronavirus outbreak

According to statistics from Iran’s Ministry of Health, from April 11 to 12, 14,246 new patients confirmed with COVID-19 were reported in the country.

Also during this 24-hour period, 297 more people died from COVID-19.

Many doubt the accuracy of official statistics, and even the Islamic Consultative Assembly’s research center has stated that the actual number of infections and deaths is several times higher than official figures.

Eid al-Fitr prayers held despite concerns over coronavirus outbreak

Despite concerns about the further spread of coronavirus, Eid al-Fitr prayers were held across the country following a directive from the National Coronavirus Combat Headquarters.

Ali Nouri, deputy of the coordinating body at the Council of Friday Prayer Leaders’ Policy-making, had stated that Eid al-Fitr prayers would be held according to a “smart management plan” in outdoor spaces in red and orange cities and in prayer halls and mosques in yellow and blue cities.

Iraj Harirchi, deputy minister of health, criticized this, saying that coronavirus does not operate ideologically and does not recognize “Eid al-Fitr prayers and celebrations and parties.”

Nevertheless, images published in Iranian media showed Eid al-Fitr prayers being held in various locations, in some cases without maintaining social distancing.

Rouhani: “Iran’s work in health and treatment is noteworthy in history”

While vaccination in Iran continues to proceed slowly, Hassan Rouhani, President of Iran, praised the performance of the twelfth administration in confronting the coronavirus crisis.

President Rouhani compared Iran’s situation with European countries last March and said: “Our country did not face such a situation, stores were not looted and long queues did not form for purchasing detergents and hygiene products, people did not remain behind hospital doors and did not sleep on hospital courtyard lawns instead of beds.” The Iranian president added: “Both black propaganda and white propaganda should be set aside and realism should be adopted.”

Statistics from Iran’s Ministry of Health show that the total vaccinations in the country have reached 2 million 923 doses.

330,805 people have also received the second dose of the vaccine, which represents approximately 0.4 percent of Iran’s adult population.

Import of 10 million vaccine doses by the Red Crescent Society

AliReza Askari, CEO of the Medical Supplies Organization of the Red Crescent Society, announced the arrival of a shipment of 10 million doses of coronavirus vaccine to the country.

Mr. Askari said: “Without thinking of profit and benefit, we entered the chaotic vaccine purchase market.”

Karim Hemmati, head of the Red Crescent Society, had previously announced that they have requested two million doses of vaccine for foreign nationals, including Afghans, from the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Source: Voice of America