Corona in Iran; Eid al-Fitr prayers held across the country despite concerns about the spread of Corona

According to statistics from the Iranian Ministry of Health, from May 12 to 13, 14,246 new COVID-19 patients were confirmed in the country.

Also, in the past 24 hours, 297 more people lost their lives due to COVID-19.

Many are skeptical about the accuracy of official statistics, and even the Research Center of the Islamic Consultative Assembly announced that the actual number of infections and deaths is many times higher than the official figures.

Eid al-Fitr prayers held despite concerns over coronavirus outbreak

Despite concerns about the further spread of the coronavirus, Eid al-Fitr prayers were held across the country in accordance with the announcement of the National Headquarters for Combating Coronavirus.

Ali Nouri, deputy organizer of the Friday Imams Policy Council, had said that Eid al-Fitr prayers will be held outdoors in red and orange cities based on a "smart management plan" and in prayer rooms and mosques in yellow and blue cities.

Iraj Harirchi, the Deputy Minister of Health, criticized this issue and said that the coronavirus does not operate ideologically and does not recognize "Eid al-Fitr prayers, celebrations, and parties."

However, images published in Iranian domestic media show Eid al-Fitr prayers being held in various locations, in some cases without observing social distancing.

Rouhani: "In healthcare, Iran's work is noteworthy in history"

While vaccination in Iran continues to progress slowly, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani praised the 12th government's performance in dealing with the coronavirus crisis.

Mr. Rouhani compared the situation in Iran and European countries in April last year and said: "There was no such situation in our country. Stores were not looted, and long lines did not form to purchase cleaning and hygiene products. People did not stay behind hospital doors and did not sleep on the grass in the hospital yard instead of in beds." The Iranian President added: "Both black and white portrayals must be abandoned and reality must be presented."

Statistics from the Iranian Ministry of Health show that the total vaccination in the country has reached 2 million 923 doses so far.

330,805 people have also received the second dose of the vaccine, which constitutes about 0.4% of Iran's adult population.

Import of 10 million doses of vaccine by the Red Crescent Society

Alireza Askari, CEO of the Medical Procurement Organization of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, announced the arrival of a shipment of 10 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine into the country.

Mr. Askari said, "Without thinking about profit and benefits, we entered the chaotic market of purchasing vaccines."

Karim Hemmati, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, had previously announced that they had applied to the Red Cross to receive two million doses of vaccine for foreign nationals, including Afghans.

Source: Voice of America