Over 2,000 Daily COVID-19 Cases in Iran’s Official Statistics; Reopening of Shrines

Despite over 2,000 daily COVID-19 cases reported in Iran’s official statistics, the deputy health minister stated that a policy of “maximum reopening” is on the agenda.

Eiraj Harirchi said this policy is being implemented to “ensure the economy and livelihood” of the people.

In Qom and Mashhad, media outlets have reported that the courtyards of religious sites have been opened. IRNA news agency also published a photo report of “thanksgiving ceremonies for shrine reopening.”

Based on a decision by the National Coronavirus Headquarters, religious sites across the country began operations today, and high-risk trades in Tehran are scheduled to resume operations from June 26.

Identification of 2,023 New Patients and 34 Deaths in the Past 24 Hours

The Health Ministry spokesperson announced the identification of 2,023 new COVID-19 patients in the past 24 hours.

Kianush Jahanpour, who announced Iran’s official coronavirus statistics on Sunday, June 5, said the total number of identified patients is 137,724, of which 107,713 have recovered and been discharged from hospitals.

He also reported 34 deaths and said the total number of coronavirus victims in Iran has reached 7,451.

Jahanpour added that in the past 24 hours, no deaths have been reported in 19 provinces.

According to the Health Ministry spokesperson, 2,585 patients are also in critical condition and under intensive care.

The statistics reported one day earlier by Kianush Jahanpour indicated the identification of 2,180 new COVID-19 patients in that 24-hour period, and similar figures have been reported in previous days.

The Health Ministry’s statistics on the coronavirus situation in Iran are being released as some parliamentary representatives and city council members have previously accused the Health Ministry of concealing statistics on deaths and cases of coronavirus.

The Research Center of the Iranian Parliament previously estimated the number of deaths to be twice and the number of cases to be 8-10 times higher than the Health Ministry’s figures.

Khuzestan Situation Remains Critical

Jahanpour also said the coronavirus situation in Khuzestan remains critical, but the number of patients being hospitalized has decreased by 10-15 percent.

Hedayatollah Khademei, representative of Izeh, warned today by referring to the rising trend of coronavirus spread in southern Iranian provinces that “if the situation continues this way, controlling and combating the coronavirus in these provinces will become difficult.”

He cited non-compliance with social distancing and concealment of illness as important factors in the spread of coronavirus in southern Iranian provinces.

In other news, Rahmadol Bameri, deputy governor of Sistan and Baluchestan, said Chabahar city is in critical condition and confirmed COVID-19 cases have increased “15-fold” compared to the first two months of this year.

He announced the implementation of strict restrictions on movement to control disease spread and said: “Any gatherings and congestion in markets and streets are prohibited.”

Source: Radio Farda