WHO Official: Iran’s Coronavirus Statistics Are Only One-Fifth of Actual Cases; Estimates Around 75,000 People Infected with COVID-19 in Iran
A World Health Organization official who traveled to Tehran last week announced that the figures released by Iranian authorities regarding coronavirus patients represent only one-fifth of the actual number of infected individuals.
According to Reuters news agency, Dr. Rick Brennan stated on Monday, March 16, that when revealing this information about why official infection statistics in Iran are lower compared to actual figures, it is likely because coronavirus testing has only been conducted on severe cases.
Iran’s Ministry of Health announced on Monday that the number of people infected with coronavirus in the country has reached 14,991.
According to Rick Brennan, the weakest aspect of Iran’s response measures relates to data. He added: “They are gradually improving their capacity to conduct tests, and as a result, the numbers will go higher.”
Islamic Republic of Iran’s response to the coronavirus pandemic faced criticism from some governments and United Nations officials. However, Rick Brennan stated that the Iranian government has taken the matter seriously at the highest levels.
Meanwhile, public opinion in Iran is concerned about cover-ups by Islamic Republic officials regarding the spread of coronavirus. The U.S. State Department representative for Iran affairs accused Islamic Republic officials on Thursday, March 5, of lying to the Iranian people about the extent of coronavirus spread in the country. Brian Hook told reporters: “The regime initially told people there was nothing to worry about regarding this virus outbreak. But at the same time, the virus was spreading throughout Iran.”
Previously, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday, February 28, in a meeting of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, that given the history of cover-ups by Islamic Republic officials, the Iranian regime is unwilling to disclose information about the coronavirus outbreak, and he was concerned they might be hiding important information.
This was the second time the U.S. Secretary of State expressed concern about possible cover-ups by Iranian officials. Mike Pompeo had previously warned that America is concerned about cover-ups by Islamic Republic officials regarding the coronavirus outbreak.
Source: Voice of America
