BAGHDAD, Apr 16 (NNN-NINA) – The Iraqi authorities decided to extend the nationwide curfew until the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, to contain the outbreak of COVID-19.
The decision came, after a video conference by the Higher Committee for Health and National Safety, headed by the caretaker Prime Minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi, the committee said in a statement.
The committee also decided to hold another meeting next week, before Ramadan, which is expected to start on Apr 24 or 25, according the Islamic lunar calendar, the statement said.
The committee will discuss in the upcoming meeting, details of precautionary measures to contain COVID-19, including the curfew during the holy Ramadan, when Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours.
Earlier in the day, the Iraqi Ministry of Health confirmed 15 new cases of COVID-19, during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 1,415.
The Iraqi authorities have taken several measures to contain the outbreak of COVID-19, including imposing a nationwide curfew until Apr 19.
To help Iraq cope with the virus spread, a Chinese team of seven experts has been working with their Iraqi counterparts since Mar 7.– NNN-NINA
