Rising Iran Corona deaths a ‘huge cause of concern’

TDT | Manama

Fears are growing across the Middle East that coronavirus has infiltrated a main pilgrimage route, which could lead the deadly pathogen to vulnerable refugee populations, causing perhaps unprecedented public health crises across the region.

Concern is centred on the Iranian shrine city of Qom, which is thought to be a hub of the disease and the likely source of its spread elsewhere in the country and in neighbouring states, where infected travellers have been diagnosed in recent days. Situation in Iran is much more dire than official statistics suggest, according to a report in the BBC. The report indicates that there have been 210 deaths in Iran due to Corona virus. This would mean the number of coronavirus cases in the country would be more than 10,000.

This leads to more cause of concerns for people who returned from Iran in past month. This comes as 2,000 people have already returned to the country from Iran while many more will be brought back soon. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that it has begun implementing an evacuation plan for Bahraini nationals in Iran including screening and quarantine procedures, in response to the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) across Iranian cities. The ministry has called on all Bahraini citizens currently in Iran to register their details by calling 973 17227555. 

The ministry has said that in co-operation with relevant entities in the Kingdom, will take all precautionary measures in order to guarantee the safety of Bahraini citizens currently present in Iran before their arrival in the Kingdom. These will include all necessary preventative measures following their arrival at the Bahrain International Airport, including screening and quarantine procedures in order to ensure the safety of citizens and residents and public health in the Kingdom.

“At least 210 people in Iran have died as a result of the new coronavirus disease, sources in the country’s health system have told BBC Persian. Most of the victims are from the capital, Tehran, and the city of Qom, where cases of Covid-19 first emerged. “The figure is six times higher than the official death toll of 34 given by the health ministry earlier on Friday. The ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour insisted it was being transparent and accused the BBC of spreading lies. “It comes after a member of parliament for Qom accused the authorities of a cover-up and the US expressed concern that they may not be sharing information,” the BBC reported.