Iran’s Health Ministry Reports 3 More Deaths; WHO Describes Iran’s Situation as ‘Concerning’
In Iran, the death toll from coronavirus infection continues to rise.
The Ministry of Health of the Islamic Republic announced today that the death toll from this pandemic has reached 8 people. Meanwhile, several neighboring countries have also closed their borders with Iran.
The Ministry of Health of the Islamic Republic announced today 3 more deaths, including in Tonekabon and Arak, due to coronavirus infection. According to Kianush Jahanpour, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, as of today, Sunday, March 24 (the 4th of Esfand), 8 people have died in Iran from infection with coronavirus, known as COVID-19. Previously, 5 deaths had been confirmed in the cities of Qom and Arak.
This Health Ministry official also reported the diagnosis of 15 additional coronavirus infections in Iran. Thus, a total of 43 coronavirus infections have been confirmed in Iran. He said that new cases include 7 people in Qom, 4 in Tehran, 2 in Gilan, 1 in Central Province, and 1 in Tonekabon. The spread and deaths from coronavirus in Iran began in Qom.
While Saeed Namaki, Minister of Health of the Islamic Republic, announced today the imminent distribution of free masks, disinfectant liquid, and educational brochures as part of a package prepared for most families residing in Qom, he made no mention of the provision and distribution of masks and disinfectants in other large and small cities of Iran where coronavirus deaths and infections have been recorded.
According to reports, the shortage of protective masks in Tehran has fueled the black market for this commodity and has led some pharmacies to exploit the situation by selling masks at several times their normal price.
The head of the World Health Organization described the spread and deaths from coronavirus in Iran yesterday as “concerning.”
Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, and Iraq have closed their borders with Iran following the spread of coronavirus in the country.
Also, some reports indicate clashes between security forces and people protesting against the way officials have handled the coronavirus outbreak. For example, in a video circulated on social media, clashes between security personnel and protesters in front of Hashtpar hospital in Talesh can be seen.
It appears that the Islamic Republic has once again adopted its usual approach in the face of crisis. Regime officials who, until just a few days ago, even denied concerns about the spread of coronavirus in Iran were forced to admit to it following the announcement of deaths from the virus in Qom.
The United States has repeatedly condemned mismanagement, institutionalized financial corruption, and the plundering of Iran’s assets by affiliates of the ruling regime and has considered them among the main factors behind Iran’s problems and the country’s poor welfare situation. Recently, for example, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted about Islamic Republic officials, saying they were engaged in corruption instead of helping people.
Source: Voice of America
