COVID-19 accounts for 25% of daily deaths in Iran; 5% increase in two weeks
Iran’s Deputy Health Minister says 25 percent of all daily deaths in Iran are due to coronavirus disease. The percentage cited recently by Iraj Harirchi is higher than the estimate he himself mentioned two weeks ago.
Iraj Harirchi, Deputy Minister of Iran’s Ministry of Health, in a television interview, referring to newly released official figures in Iran about deaths of at least 235 people in 24 hours, said the number of daily deaths caused by coronavirus has reached 25 percent of total human casualties.
Only two weeks ago, official figures in Iran showed 179 deaths, and Harirchi himself had said that “one-fifth” of daily death figures in Iran were related to COVID-19 patients.
Regarding the accuracy of the announced statistics, whether due to widespread criticism of the Islamic Republic over transparency in reporting, or other issues such as testing, the method and quality of tests, or the proper and accurate announcement of causes of death, there are various doubts.
Harirchi also said regarding the situation in provinces that most of them are in a “red situation,” but “the main disaster has occurred in Tehran and Tehran ranks third in high figures for cases and deaths.”
This senior health ministry official said Tehran has returned to the coronavirus period of the months of Esfand and Farvardin.
The Deputy Health Minister says “mask usage statistics should reach 80 to 95 percent” but still around 30 percent of citizens do not comply. He did not provide clarification on the source of this statistic.
Researchers believe that wearing masks, especially in crowded and enclosed spaces, plays an important role in preventing the spread of coronavirus.
Iraj Harirchi is among Iranian officials who have openly and seriously expressed doubts about holding ceremonies related to Muharram.
Harirchi said that even in previous years, there was a problem of distancing and social distancing during Muharram ceremonies, and “this gathering is simply not possible this year.”
Iran’s Deputy Health Minister says “decisions have been made regarding mourning processions that will virtually make it impossible for them to be held outdoors, and gatherings in enclosed spaces will also not be possible.”
Alireza Raisi, another Deputy Minister of Health, also said on Tuesday that the ministry is “opposed” to holding large gatherings and especially in enclosed environments.
This comes as the Judiciary Spokesman said the pandemic “should not cause us to neglect the blessing of these days.”
Iran—even considering official figures—is among the 10 crisis-stricken countries in the world in the process of coronavirus spread.
The official death toll in Iran is currently over 16,100 people, and the number of officially confirmed and laboratory-verified cases has reached around 300,000 people.
Hassan Rouhani, President of Iran, on July 19, citing a Ministry of Health report, said that so far 25 million people in the country have contracted COVID-19 and “another 30 to 35 million people will be exposed to the virus (coronavirus).”
These statements generated speculation that the government is pursuing a policy known as “herd immunity.” A controversial and disputed policy that has even prompted a response from the Ministry of Health, which rejected it.
Source: Radio Farda
