BAGHDAD, Nov 18 (NNN-NINA) – The Iraqi Health Ministry reported yesterday, 2,961 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the nationwide infections to 524,503.
The new cases included 814 in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, 260 in Nineveh, 255 in Kirkuk, 247 in Duhok, 243 in Diyala, and 242 in Sulaimaniyah, while the other cases were detected in the other provinces, the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry also reported 40 new deaths and 3,460 more recovered cases in the country, raising the death toll from the infectious virus to 11,752, and the total recoveries reached 453,025.
A total of 3,164,903 tests have been carried out across the country since the outbreak of the disease in Feb, with 18,614 done during the day.
In a separate statement, the ministry reiterated its recommendations and reminded all citizens that the pandemic continues to spread in the country because of the non-compliance with health measures.
The ministry also predicted a significant increase in COVID-19 infections during the coming weeks, as a result of lower temperatures.
“We call on all citizens to adhere to health-protective measures, such as, wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and constantly sanitising hands,” the statement said.
It also said, the ministry’s health teams were instructed to intensify their visits to restaurants, cafes, malls, and all other crowded facilities, to assess their commitment to health-protective measures and implement immediate closure of any facility that violates instructions.
The ministry’s comments came, after noting that many citizens did not adhere to health-protective measures during the past period.
Iraq has taken a series of measures to contain the pandemic since Feb, when the first case appeared in the country.– NNN-NINA
