Coronavirus in Iran; 385 New Cases in Past 24 Hours
New statistics on coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours indicate rapid spread of the disease in Iran. German news agency reports on the current situation on the eve of Nowruz, noting that representatives of foreign media outlets intend to leave Tehran.
Kianush Jahanpour, head of the public relations and information center of the Ministry of Health, announced on Sunday, Esfand 11, that the number of confirmed new coronavirus cases from yesterday afternoon to today is 385. According to Jahanpour, 54 people have died from the virus in the past 24 hours.
Accordingly, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Iran according to official statistics is 987 people.
In the latest released statistics, the highest number of new cases of coronavirus in recent days has been in Tehran province; 170 cases from yesterday to today. According to Kianush Jahanpour, in Markazi Province with 44 cases in the past 24 hours, the condition of rapid disease spread is more severe than in other provinces of the country.
Markazi Province borders Qom Province to the east and Tehran Province to the northeast.
The city of Qom, known as the center of coronavirus outbreak in Iran, has the highest contamination after Tehran and Markazi with 30 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours.
According to the head of the public relations and information center of the Ministry of Health, 175 patients have recovered and been discharged so far, which Jahanpour described as “a significant number.”
The German news agency reports from Tehran, referring to the latest statistics: “Contrary to the predictions of Iran’s Ministry of Health and Treatment, the situation in recent days in Iran has deteriorated significantly. The Army and Revolutionary Guards have also come to the government’s aid in combating coronavirus in Iran.”
Disinfection of Cities with Ground Forces Equipment
On Sunday, Esfand 11, domestic news agencies reported the launch of a crisis management headquarters to combat coronavirus at the health and medical office of the Army’s Ground Forces. The statement of measures includes that all subordinate units, including regional and field hospitals, health care centers and combat units, as well as doctors, paramedics, nurses and health workers, will place themselves at the disposal of the crisis management headquarters and medical universities in the provinces.
The statement of measures also refers to eliminating and sanitizing contaminated areas with ground forces equipment in crowded city centers.
Some social media users have also shared images of water-spraying vehicles from special NAJA units that are disinfecting cities.
“Some Foreign Media Outlets are Closing Their Offices in Tehran”
According to the German news agency, as coronavirus spreads rapidly in Iran, many foreign nationals currently residing in Iran have decided to leave Iran following recommendations from their countries’ foreign ministries. The report also mentions the intention of representatives of some foreign media outlets to leave Iran and the temporary closure of their offices in Tehran.
“Coronavirus Blow to Sociable Iranians on the Eve of Nowruz”
The German news agency, referring to the approaching Nowruz, considers “the coronavirus crisis in this country a heavy blow” for Iran. The “DPA” correspondent writes: “Out of fear of contracting coronavirus, Iranians, who are usually sociable, refrain from any contact, even with their relatives. Shops and restaurants are almost empty of customers. Since coronavirus in the provinces bordering the Caspian Sea, a popular destination for Iranians during Nowruz holidays, is currently considered a serious threat, the country’s tourism industry is also affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Cinemas, theaters, schools and universities are closed.”
In this report, reference is made to a shortage of disinfectants, stating: “While the government claims that production of these materials has increased dramatically, neither pharmacies nor stores have disinfectants. The price of alcohol for disinfection purposes has increased up to 10 times according to customers’ accounts.”
Where Did the Problem with Masks and Disinfectant Gels Begin?
The problem of providing masks and disinfectants began from the first days of the official announcement of coronavirus’s entry into Iran.
Domestic media report that the rush of people to obtain masks and disinfectants emptied pharmacy shelves from the third day of Esfand, such that by the fourth day of Esfand most people could only obtain industrial alcohol, which became scarce by the fifth day of Esfand.
In news reports, as the most important reason for market disruption, in addition to profit-seeking activities and hoarding of products, reference is made to a circular from the Ministry of Health prohibiting new sales of these items in pharmacies.
According to the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade’s explanation on Esfand 9, the Ministry of Health’s priority in the early days of the coronavirus spread was to provide masks and disinfectants for medical centers.
Warning Against the Use of Counterfeit Products
On the other hand, health and medical officials and authorities of the country warn against the use of counterfeit products in the market. Dr. Farzad Pirayvian, deputy for food and medicine at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, warned the public on Sunday about the dangers and side effects of methanol alcohol or wood alcohol being distributed as disinfectant alcohol in some centers and shops.
Officials have promised that within one or two days, masks and disinfectants will be supplied in sufficient quantities and the market will be saturated.
Source: DW
