There are now over 100,000 IRGC and Basij forces actively participating in the campaign against the new coronavirus and the treatment of patients in the country, he said.
The spokesman went on to say that five IRGC forces and a few others from Basij have lost their lives in the operations to provide health services for the patients.
Iran’s administration on Thursday extended the closure of all schools and universities nationwide until the end of the current Iranian year (March 19) as the country is struggling with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
First detected in Wuhan city in central China in December, the virus has spread to more than 100 countries.
More than 4,200 people have died of COVID-19 across the world, and more than 113,000 people have also been infected, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). About 64,000 people have also recovered from the illness, globally.
The death toll from COVID-19 outbreak in Iran has risen to 354. Meanwhile, more than 2,950 coronavirus patients have recovered from the respiratory disease and discharged from hospitals so far.
In remarks on Wednesday evening, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Abbas Mousavi slammed the measures taken by the US authorities as “nothing but deception.”
“They opened a limited financial channel with hullabaloo but do not allow us to bring the resources we have in various places into this channel,” he deplored.
“We have been holding talks for three weeks with one of the countries in which we have financial resources, and they claim, emphasize and insist that the Americans are blocking this work and do not allow our resources in that country to enter into this channel so that we could use them in the current circumstances and purchase the items we need,” Mousavi explained.
“As a result, we deem that their (Americans’) words and claims are nothing but exaggeration and deception as long as they are not taking practical measures and the obstacles are not removed,” he stated.
Denouncing the US’ claims of support as mere slogan, the Iranian spokesman said if Washington is sincere in what it is saying, it must declare that the whole channels for the delivery of pharmaceutical and medical products to Iran are open and announce how the deliveries could be made without any obstacles.
“Despite their (US’) claim that the pharmaceutical items are exempted from sanctions, they have practically blocked the road, and even this Swiss channel that they have opened has limited resources,” the spokesperson noted.
“We requested them to allow our other resources in various countries to enter into this (Swiss) channel, but they declined,” Mousavi noted, stressing that the US must allow the Iranian nation’s assets to be included in the financial channel for the purchase of medicine.
“This is a technical and legal issue. Unlike what they claim it has not been a [nuclear] “site”. The word has its particular definition,” said Mousavi addressing a video press conference on Wednesday morning.
Stressing that “Iran has had the highest level of technical cooperation with the IAEA,” he said “we are not supposed to respond to any baseless claim and question posed by the IAEA.”
“Iran’s framework for collaborations with IAEA is clear. The IAEA needs to consider its image and reputation, and should not base its questions on not every empty claim made by every regime and individual.”
“We do not consider the basis for IAEA’s stand to be right … IAEA should not make claims based on political games played by some regimes,” Mousavi added.
About the statement issued by European Union last night about Iran’s nuclear activities, he said “we consider it to be in line with their previous statements, and to be a kind of “statement-therapy” … they need to act according to their commitments under the JCPOA so that Iran’s economic interests under the international agreement are met.”
“There is still a place for the hope that some measures will be taken which will return both parties to their commitments. If the efforts don’t pay off, Iran will announce its major step in due course,” he added.
In relation to UK Secretary of State Dominic Raab’s recent remarks that London will not allow Iran to access nuclear weapons and that Iran has caused instability in the region with its measures in Syria, Iraq and Hormuz Strait, Mousavi said “these remarks are not appropriate and constructive. He is not in a position to determine guidelines for Iran.”
“Unlike Mr. Raab we think that what causes insecurity, instability and turmoil in every corner of the world including our region is the inappropriate and meddlesome presence and remarks made by … countries [located] thousands of miles away from the region,” the official added.
As regards US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s statement in which he voiced concern about the health situation of prisoners in Iran given the outbreak of coronavirus, and his call for Iran to release US prisoners for humanitarian purposes, Mousavi said “it is an appropriate and right concern, and it is also our concern, given the shambolic situation of prisons in the US … This is not propaganda, but based on reports published by US official media.”
“Everybody is concerned about the current situation in the US and its different states as well as about their public health and millions of the poor and hungry, the rough-sleepers in every corner of the US and the American prisoners.”
“We are also concerned about the Iranian prisoners taken hostage by the US, and hope that the US government provides for their health … We are ready to return home these hostages who are there for no reason,” Mousavi added.
Asked whether the coronavirus is a naturally infectious disease with a particular origin or a case of biological warfare, the Iranian official said “we do not know and cannot make any comments until the results of investigations are known.”
Regarding the issue of Idlib, he said “We believe that the Astana peace process can continue to serve as the best, most successful and accessible settlement … We emphasize that the established and legal Syrian government has a right to exercise its national sovereignty all over its territory. Some parties also have their own concerns, and we see these concerns. We concur with [the need to put] an end to bloodshed throughout Syria.”
“We hope that Astana summit will be held as soon as possible when all the technical, political and hygienic conditions grow favourable,” he added.
Asked about simultaneous inauguration of Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani as the presidents of Afghanistan, Mousavi said “for a long time we have tried our utmost at different levels to forge convergence and camaraderie among Afghan people, groups and political figures, and have stated to them that the only way to create prosperity, welfare, stability and security in Afghanistan is through formation of an inclusive government and unity among different personalities, groups, parties and officials in the country.”
Kianoush Jahanpour confirmed in an interview with ISNA on Wednesday that an Iranian version of the Swiss-made “Actemra” which regulates the immune system has been used at one of Isfahan’s hospitals and that a relative improvement in the patient’s symptoms has been observed.
“This has been the first case trial of the Persian biosimilar tocilizumab and the disease symptoms have improved 48 hours after the usage,” he said.
“But it is too soon to make any judgment,” the official stressed.
“The medicine has shown a relatively positive response 24 hours after the first injection.
Oxygenation in the patient and the chest radiography show better results, but the patient still gets intubated. Today and in next days the trial will continue at doctors’ discretion and if the medicine shows a relative efficacy in the cases, it will enter into the country’s drug list.”
“Some case reports in China indicate their relative efficacy in some serious cases of COVID-19,” said Jahanpour.
The medicine can be mass-produced in a matter of three weeks, he added.
The official, however, emphasized that the medicine cannot be generally used, but can be prescribed to those patients in CRS at the last stages of the disease, under certain circumstances.
At the same time, the efficacy of a couple of other biosimilar medicines i.e. interferon alpha and interferon beta, both of which already exist in the country’s drug list, is under consideration, he added.
One of the most common ways of taking essential oil is through using a diffuser. However, you should get it right with the diffuser you purchase.
Remember, there are numerous vendors online selling a myriad of essential oil diffusers on the market. Thus, it can be difficult to choose the best aromatherapy diffuser – especially if you are new in this sphere. However, this shouldn’t overwhelm you. This article has been prepared to help you choose the right diffuser for your essential oil.
The Basics
Diffusing essential oils is one of the most popular techniques to use these products. The diffuser is an electrical device that’s uniquely designed to spread your preferred essential oil throughout your house for the desired period of time. It creates an inviting fragrance and is extremely safe. Just be careful to use it as instructed.
Popular Types
Ultrasonic diffusers come at all prices, so you can rest assured that you’ll find a model that perfectly suits your budget. These diffusers utilize electronic diffusers to vibrate rapidly and consequently breaking down the essential oils into tiny particles that are then dispersed into the air like a fine mist.
Go for a Stronger Scent
Want a stronger fragrance? Well, consider going for a nebulizing diffuser. With a nebulizing diffuser, you have a unit that’s not only affordable but also highly reliable as well as efficient. The nebulizing diffuser tends to vaporize the Zenvea Essential Oils before it can be released into the mist. It brings out more aroma-especially if you are so much into citrus oils. The best part is that these types of diffusers are available from as low as $100. They are made from glass. However, to prevent clogging, you need to do a lot of cleaning.
Stay Away from the Heat
Of course, there are different options on the market. But this doesn’t mean choosing any diffuser. Thus, be sure to avoid heat. Stay away from steam diffusers and hot plate-based diffusers. Also, don’t purchase candle diffusers.
The problem with these diffusers is that they tend to heat the oil—which distributes their delicate chemistry. It’s important to note that more heat isn’t good for your essential oil. It makes it less effective. This means that, for more results, you will need to go for more oils.
Features of a Good Diffuser
Don’t let price be your ultimate guiding point. Other factors also come into play when choosing the right essential oil diffuser. Go for a diffuser that is easy to use, simple top clean, and able to output the amount of essential oil you want. Normally, a good diffuser runs at a time increment on one or so hours. The cycling period is about 10 minutes. If you want the best aroma for your room, go for a diffuser that can dispense enough scent in under 30 minutes
The Bottom-Line
Don’t purchase any diffuser. Go for the best one. Use the above guide in selecting the right diffuser.
Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said on Wednesday that 958 new cases of Coronavirus have been confirmed in Iran in the past 24 hours, including 63 new deaths.
The new cases include 256 in Tehran, 53 in Qom, 32 in Mazandaran, 5 in Gilan, 170 in Isfahan, 45 in Alborz, 31 in Markazi, 27 in Qazvin, 9 in Golestan, 63 in Semnan, 34 in Khorasan Razavi, 9 in Lorestan, 19 in Fars, 23 in Yazd, 29 in East Azarbaijan, 17 in Khuzestan, 22 in Zanjan, 6 in Kurdistan, 1 in Ardabil, 18 in Kerman, 4 in Sistan and Baluchestan, 7 in Hamadan, 27 in West Azarbaijan, 8 in Kermanshah, 10 in Hormozgan, 11 in North Khorasan, 15 in South Khorasan, 1 in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and 6 in Ilam.
No new cases were found in Bushehr and Kohgiliyeh and Buyer-Ahmad provinces.
The spring is approaching us step by step. The nature and the blossoms are starting to revive the earth, regardless of the Coronavirus that is mixed these days with the scent of spring and the Persian New Year, Nowruz, in Iran.
What follows are YJC’s photos of the beautiful nature of Golestan in the last days of winter:
Zeinol-Abedin Fat’hi is a nurse who tore up his retirement letter and volunteered to fight the deadly virus.
In an interview with Fars News Agency, he said “I got retired on February 17, after 25 years of nursing and looking after patients. I was waiting to reach this day. I wrote my retirement request and came to the hospital. Before going through the administrative procedure, I wanted to say goodbye to my colleagues. They didn’t let me in. They told me to get dressed and come in. I asked what’s going on here? I had been away for just a few days! The guys said the COVID-19 patients are at the hospital and they are quarantined.”
“Everything had changed. The nurses were wearing special clothing and masks, scarves and glasses to make their faces indistinguishable. I was shocked. The conditions were not normal. My colleagues were worried. Without thinking about my retirement, I tore apart my request and told the department to count on me. They said you do not have to do that. I said I’m in. Now that I’m talking to you, I haven’t gone home since February 21.”
Q: What happens to the retirement?
A: “Corona spread is a crisis. At this time, retirement and enjoying myself at home was Haram for me. This is the same as jihad. Here is a warfront. I once missed the opportunity to be on the Iranian war front. I did not want to repeat the same mistake. I was born in 1973. When I was in high school, I convinced my family to go to the warfront [against Iraq]. We were ready to go when it was announced the Iran-Iraq war ended. I could not serve my country as a soldier. Of course, during these years I was taking care of war veterans to make up for it. I have taken care of veterans who have lost two hands and the chemically-injured veterans.”
Q: Have you missed your kids? You’ve been here
for over two weeks! Don’t you regret your decision?
A: “We quarantined ourselves so that our families be safe from the disease. If I say, I haven’t missed them, it is a lie. I have three kids. I haven’t seen them for 12 days! But it is better not to go home in these conditions. I’ll answer the rest of your questions at 10 pm.”
“The doctor is coming now to visit the patients,” Fat’hi tells the Fars reporter. It is not good for you to stay here anymore.”
He gives his number to the reporter and tells him to call at 10 pm.
Nurses Getting Immortal
“We are currently in quarantine,” Fat’hi says on phone. “In fact, the dorm here is not like what you think. There is a room next to the quarantine section with a few beds. We are at risk all the time because of the constant contact with patients. We shouldn’t go home.”
In response to the reporter’s question about to nurses’ dance clip in a quarantine room, which went viral recently in Iran, he said “the quarantine section is not all that few seconds of dance you saw. In this crisis, if it had not been for the belief of the nurses and the grace of God, we would all have died by now. It is as if all the nurses have become immortal. The workload is much higher than in the early days. We are at the peak of this outbreak.
Being in the quarantine section has its own difficulties. The environment is closed and the air temperature should be high. Shift hours are long.
As long as we are in the quarantine section, we must wear protective clothing. The first few hours come with headaches and sore muscles have become normal for us. We need volunteer nurses these days. If the number of nurses is more, surely our shift hours will be reduced.”
Q: Do you regret you did not submit your retirement request?
A: “I’m tired but no regrets! Eventually the course of the disease will be over. These days I remember very much the Holy Shrine Defender who I was taking care of a few months ago. But the hope I could see in his eyes every morning was relieving the fatigue of my 25 years of work. He was interested in poems. Whenever he saw I am down, he used to say although the night is dark, be strong that the dawn is close. Now at nights, when I say my prayers, when I lie down and can’t move my shoulders, when I think of being infected, or when I miss my family I whisper the same poem. The poem is by the contemporary Iranian poet Hamid Mossadeq.”
The Iranian health ministry reported tens of more deaths, as recorded cases in the country surpass 8,000. The outbreak has prompted officials to temporarily release around 70,000 prisoners to contain the outbreak of the disease.
Coronavirus spread swiftly in Iran and became one of the deadliest outbreaks outside China’s Hubei province, where the virus originated in the city of Wuhan.
Iranian officials are concerned about the spread of the virus during the national Nowruz holiday on 20 March, when Iranians celebrate the New Year. The new virus has also taken the lives of several senior Iranian officials and MPs.
