Iran President Hassan Rouhani Warns Of Possible New Wave Of COVID Cases

TEHRAN, Iran — President Hassan Rouhani warned on Saturday that Iran might be hit by a new wave of coronavirus infections, as health authorities warned that the virus’s more virulent delta form was spreading.

Rouhani, addressing at a national coronavirus task force conference, advised people to postpone their summer vacations and get-togethers to avoid the “spread of the virus, particularly its Indian version.” The delta variation has been recorded in a number of Iranian cities and towns.

“There are fears that we are heading into a fifth wave,” he added. “Because the delta variety has invaded the southern regions, we should apply more therapy there.” His words were carried on Rouhani’s website.

Iran remains one of the world’s worst-affected countries and the worst-affected country in the Middle East.

The capital Tehran, as well as more than 90 other cities and villages, have been designated as red zones, requiring up to 70% of office workers to work from home. It also necessitates the shutting down of public venues such as movie theatres, gyms, and restaurants.

A recent surge in cases has strained several hospitals in Pakistan’s southern Sistan and Baluchistan provinces, which already had inadequate healthcare resources.

The 2.7 million-plus province has witnessed a daily death toll of roughly 15 people, fueled by tribal rites and campaign gatherings ahead of June local elections.

Provincial Governor Ahmad Ali Mouhebati said on Thursday that some patients must travel over 100 kilometers (60 miles) to reach a medical institution. “Right now, there are no hospitals in ten towns in the province,” he added.

Because of rites and travels linked to the Muslim Eid holidays later this month, Mouhebati expected an increase in new cases.

Authorities have vowed to build field hospitals and provide additional medical and emergency equipment, as well as block three Pakistani border crossings in the region.

Iranian officials announced Saturday that the country’s COVID-19 death toll has risen by 111 in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total to 84,627 since the epidemic began last year.

Over the same time span, 8,341 additional confirmed cases were reported, increasing the total to more than 3.24 million. According to reports, 3,207 people are in critical condition and 2.91 million have recovered so far.

Iran saw its fourth wave of the sickness in April, with officials reporting the greatest number of new coronavirus cases – over 25,000 each day. Its daily death toll climbed to approximately 400, well behind the dreadful high of 486 set in November.

Meanwhile, despite the manufacturing of three vaccinations, Iran’s vaccine distribution is sluggish. These include the Iranian-made COVIran Barekat and the Cuban-made Soberana, which is used as the Pasteur vaccine in Iran. There’s also Russian Sputnik V domestic manufacturing, which Iran continues to buy.

Vaccine doses totaling fewer than 7 million, mostly imported, have been delivered across the country, with over 2 million receiving a second dose. Only 300,000 of the 7 million were manufactured in Iran.

The administration has stated that mass vaccinations will commence in September. Iran’s vaccine research has gained traction, despite authorities’ claims that the country’s efforts will be hampered by US sanctions.

Iran is a member of COVAX, an international program that distributes vaccinations to countries of all economic levels. However, foreign banks and financial institutions are wary of dealing with Iran for fear of US sanctions. Iran may order enough vaccine doses to vaccinate half of its population under COVAX guidelines.