131 Cases of Mutated Coronavirus Identified in East Azerbaijan; Highest Number in Iran
The Deputy of Health at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences announced on Sunday, March 15, the identification of 131 cases of the mutated coronavirus virus originating from Britain in East Azerbaijan.
According to Abbas Ali Doresti, this is the highest number of patients infected with the mutated strain of coronavirus in the country.
He added: “These individuals have been identified in the cities of Ahar, Bostanabad, Marand, Shabestar, Ahar Shahr, and Heris.”
This official from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences attributed the spread of this strain of coronavirus in the city of “Heris” to the holding of mourning ceremonies and the presence of guests from Tehran at these ceremonies.
He asked people to refrain from holding ceremonies and gatherings in the province so that the “relatively stable” situation of coronavirus control in East Azerbaijan continues.
On this basis, 22 people died last week due to COVID-19, averaging three people per day, and the mortality rate from coronavirus in the province has been declining.
Abbas Ali Doresti also, referring to inspections carried out on various businesses in the province, confirmed the closure of “700 different units” due to violation of health protocols to combat coronavirus.
The spokesperson of the National Coronavirus Taskforce had previously reported on the same day about the spread of the mutated virus in 29 provinces and the identification of 538 cases of this virus in the country.
Accordingly, the total number of COVID-19 victims in the country reached 61,230 people and the total number of patients reached 1,746,953 people.
Nevertheless, Doresti’s official statistics since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak have always been subject to serious doubt. Based on estimates by the Iranian Medical System Organization, the number of coronavirus victims in the country is at least three to four times higher than the official figures announced by the Ministry of Health.
Source: Radio Farda
