The number of daily deaths linked to Covid-19 is on the rise in Iran. For the first time since December 2020, the total of deaths is over 100 per day, prompting the country’s authorities to say that the fourth wave of the epidemic is already here. “We are facing one of the most brutal waves of Covid-19, Iranian Health Minister Saïd Namaki said Monday April 5th. Today, the control of the wild dragon that is Covid-19 escapes us. ”
193 Iranians died from the virus on Wednesday, up from 91 a week earlier. With a total official death toll of 63,699 – an undervalued figure, according to the doctors regularly consulted by The world – Iran is the country most affected by the pandemic in the Middle East.
The alarming rise in infections in recent days is notably due to the two-week Iranian New Year holiday (March 20), during which many Iranians have traveled and reunited with families, accelerating the spread of the virus. . During this period, very few travel restrictions were put in place, and often belatedly, which even made the Minister of Health react. “Unfortunately, no one listened to me about the trips [pendant les vacances] and we are now facing great difficulties ”, regretted Saïd Namaki.
Tehran on red alert
“According to my information, the British variant is now the most common in the country, which explains the heavy death toll in recent days, explains an Iranian doctor practicing in the capital and in the south of the country, who prefers not to be named. In Tehran, for example, never has there been so much Covid-19 contamination. Public hospitals are full and emergency services have run out. Sometimes patients are treated on the floor or wait days for a bed. “
The Iranian capital, with at least 8 million inhabitants, like the large cities of Isfahan (center) and Shiraz (south), is now placed on red alert, the highest level on the national risk scale. epidemiological. In these areas, all stores must close, with the exception of businesses deemed essential.
Some Iranian officials, as well as many citizens, are calling for a total halt to activities in the capital to deal with this new wave. “In Tehran, 4,200 beds are occupied by patients with Covid-19, which is unprecedented. We propose to confine Tehran for seven or ten days, which we have suggested to the Minister of Health and the Minister of the Interior, as well as to the Vice-President ”, said Tuesday Alireza Zali, in charge of coordination against the epidemic in the province of Tehran.
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