Officials and Experts Warn of Escalating Coronavirus Crisis in Iran
The spread of COVID-19 virus continues across Iran. The situation has been reported as more severe in Khuzestan, Lorestan, and Khorasan. Experts have called for decisive and serious measures by officials to protect public health against further spread of the virus.
The spread of the coronavirus epidemic in Iran has not only failed to stop, but in some provinces such as Khuzestan, Lorestan, and North Khorasan, it continues to spread and worsen.
Kianosh Jahanpour, spokesperson for the Islamic Republic’s Ministry of Health, in his daily report on official coronavirus statistics on Thursday, Ordibehesht 25, announced that in the past 24 hours, more than 1,800 additional people have been infected with coronavirus and 71 people have died from COVID-19.
According to Dr. Jahanpour, the spread of coronavirus has increased by approximately 20 percent compared to previous days.
Accordingly, according to official Iranian government statistics, the total number of cases has exceeded 114,533 people and the death toll has reached 6,854 people.
Based on these statistics, so far 90,539 people have recovered and been discharged from medical centers; at the same time, it is reported that at least 2,758 patients are in critical condition and are under special care.
According to the health ministry spokesperson, the situation of coronavirus spread in most areas of Iran is similar to the past, but Khuzestan province remains in “red status.”
According to some reports, coronavirus continues to spread in Lorestan and North Khorasan and has reached “red status.”
Warning from Khuzestan Academics about Increased Coronavirus Cases
The Faculty Union of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz has warned in a message about the re-emergence of COVID-19 pandemic and the failure of provincial officials to implement decisive and effective measures.
Khuzestan academics, while criticizing “the oversimplification of this viral pandemic and the lack of decisiveness regarding the continuation of necessary restrictions in the province by officials and those responsible for this matter in the province’s coronavirus headquarters,” reminded that this province is once again facing rampant spread of COVID-19 disease in various cities.
The Faculty Union of Ahvaz University has emphasized in its message that the large number of patients infected with coronavirus in Ahvaz and other cities in the province is distressing and demonstrates the failure to prioritize the health of citizens.
Khuzestan academics called on officials to “urgently find solutions and by continuing restrictions, strictly prevent people from gathering in streets and local markets.”
In the message from Khuzestan academics, it was stated that the hasty reopening of schools and universities in Khuzestan province should not be on the agenda as it could have very negative consequences.
The Faculty Union of Ahvaz University has asked Khuzestan citizens to refrain from unnecessary presence in the city and to follow health protocols and instructions, especially maintaining distance and proper use of masks and disinfectants.
Source: DW
