Covid Cases Near 450,000

EghtesadOnline: Monday’s tally of coronavirus cases pushed Iran’s total near the 450,000 mark, as a third wave of infections is challenging the country’s healthcare system.

News ID: ۷۵۱۱۲۹

29 September 2020

Some 3,500 newly identified patients took the number of Covid-19 cases to 449,960, Health Ministry’s Spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari was quoted as saying by ISNA.

Over 40% of the fresh cases were hospitalized and within a 24-hour period, 190 patients lost their lives and the death toll increased to 25,779, she added.

Lari pointed out that half of the country’s coronavirus patients comprised the elderly, stressing that “70% of deaths were also reported among the elderly”.

The official advised senior citizens, especially those with underlying conditions, to stay at home.

One week into autumn, Iran has begun to vaccinate healthcare providers, pregnant women and patients with special diseases against the H1N1 influenza.

The spokesman of Food and Drug Administration, Kianoush Jahanpour, said the flu vaccine will soon become available to the general public.

“The elderly and high-risk groups will be prioritized to receive flu shots,” he added, noting that individuals need to show identification cards to purchase the vaccine.

The coincidence of the influenza and the Covid-19 pandemic could further overwhelm hospitals over autumn and winter, officials warned.

According to Lari, more than 376,000 have so far recovered from the infectious disease and 4,068 are in critical condition. Iran has administered 3.95 million diagnostic tests to identify the contagion.

Worldwide coronavirus infections jumped to 33.34 million on Monday, as fatalities rose by 3,000 in 24 hours.