Published 14:13 IST, September 19th 2020

Iran witnessing ‘third wave’ of coronavirus outbreak, warn health experts

Iran is witnessing a third wave of the COVID-19 outbreak as it is reporting more than 3000 cases per day, highest since the virus first hit in February.

Reported by: Sounak Mitra
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
null | Image: self
Advertisement

health experts in Iran have warned that country is witnessing a "third wave" of  COVID-19 outbreak. According to Iranian health ministry tally, country is reporting more than 3,000 positive cases per day which is believed to be highest since virus first hit Iran in February. Iran had put efforts to successfully curb spread of virus by early May but witnessed a resurgence at beginning of June recording around 1,600 new cases a day. 

READ: US Prepares To Anunce Re-imposition Of All International Sanctions Against Iran

Advertisement

3,041 new positive cases

Health Ministry spokesperson of Iran, Sima Sadat Lari anunced on Friday, September 18 that total number of COVID-19 patients recovered stands at 355,505 and total number of infected cases has risen to 416,198. She added that total fatalities stands at 23,952. In addition, within last 24 hours Iran has witnessed 3,041 new positive cases and 141 deaths. 

READ: UN Nuclear Watchdog To Inspect Iran's Second Site Following IAEA Chief Grossi's Last Visit

Advertisement

In addition, Iranian health experts have cautioned that country is still in grip of a coronavirus pandemic. y warned residents to follow health safety protocols like social distancing and wearing face masks. y added that virus is more likely to affect capital city of Tehran as compared to or provinces. Earlier in September, Iran opened new school year after nearly seven months of closure. While addressing a video conference, President Hassan Rouhani reportedly said that education of 15 million students is as important as health system. 

He reportedly urged authorities to implement health measures in schools and educational institutions to level of those in military garrisons. In wake of reopening of schools, many parents and medical experts expressed ir concerns over possibility of a surge in cases. Abbas Aghazadeh, a member of board of medical council said, " national COVID-19 task force should defend lives of millions of students". "Prevent physical reopening of all schools across country", he added. 

Advertisement

Abbas Ali Dorsti, vice-chancellor for health at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, warned that despite of following every safety precaution, re has been an increase in travel and violations of health protocols by some people which resulted in rise of infection. According to reports, businesses, schools, and colleges have reopened to shape up ecomy and mark new rmal. Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani was reported to have said health department are trying ir best to arrange a sufficient amount of beds to cater to  needs of patients. 

READ: Iran Warns US Against Making A 'strategic Mistake' After Trump's Threat

Advertisement

READ: Trump Says US Will Retaliate With Attacks '1000 Times Greater' If Iran Planned Vengeance

14:13 IST, September 19th 2020