Iraq extends coronavirus curfew as cases continue to rise

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – On Thursday, Iraq’s Ministry of Health and Environment announced the confirmation of 36 new cases of coronavirus and 7 deaths in Iraq, while authorities extended the countrywide curfew aimed at curbing the spread of the disease until April 11. A statement by the office of the prime minister explained that the Council of Ministers made the decision to extend the curfew that was set to expire on Saturday. The lockdown includes the suspension of all schools and universities, religious services, and other public gatherings and will be reassessed as the new April 11 expiration date approaches to assess whether an additional extension will be mandated. In addition to anti-coronavirus regulations declared by the federal government in Baghdad, the Kurdistan Region has enacted multiple strict precautionary measures as part of attempts to block the spread of the disease, including closing schools, declaring an extended public holiday for government employees, canceling all religious services and other public gatherings, and curfews across the region. Editing by John J. Catherine