Iraq: Nationwide lockdown implemented March 22 /update 15

Iraqi authorities implement nationwide lockdown and extend travel limitations in Baghdad to March 28; follow authority directives
Read all related news alert(s):
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Iraq: Authorities extend flight ban until July 15 /update 38
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Iraq: Authorities announce extension of flight suspension until July 1 /update 36
Iraq: Provinces introduce comprehensive curfews on June 23 /update 35
Iraq: Government extends suspension of commercial flights until June 13 /update 34
Iraq: Government extends nationwide curfew until June 13 /update 33
Iraq: Government imposes nationwide curfew until June 6 /update 32
Iraq: KRG imposes region-wide lockdown until June 6 /update 31
Iraq: Authorities extend suspension of air traffic until May 31 /update 30
Iraq: Domestic and travel restrictions modified May 11-12 /update 29
Iraq: Nationwide curfew hours modified May 11 /update 28
Iraq: Authorities impose full lockdown on Kirkuk province May 4-9 /update 27
Iraq: Authorities extend nationwide curfew hours April 28 /update 26
Iraq: Security forces wound at least seven anti-government protesters in Al-Rifai (Dhi Qar province) April 27 /update 25
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Iraq: Authorities announce Ramadan-specific easing of COVID-19 lockdown measures April 21 /update 23
Iraq: Authorities announce the implementation of partial curfew from April 23 /update 22
Iraq: Nationwide curfew extended until April 23 /update 21
Iraq: Nationwide restrictions extended through April 18 /update 20
Iraq: Local officials claim high number of unreported COVID-19 cases April 2 /update 19
Iraq: Nationwide curfew extended until April 19 /update 18
Iraq: Kurdish Regional Government extends restrictions through April 16 /update 17
Iraq: Nationwide lockdown extended to April 11 /update 16
Iraq: Lockdown extended in Kurdistan Region March 18 /update 14
Iraq: Authorities implement further measures due to COVID-19 from March 17 /update 13
Iraq: Officials cancel Friday prayers and Nowruz festivities March 11 /update 12
Iraq: Authorities ban public gatherings, religious centers March 9 /update 11
Iraq: Authorities order closure of Najaf province over COVID-19 outbreak March 11 /update 10
Iraq: Six COVID-19-related deaths reported on March 8 /update 9
Iraq: Government extends entry restrictions to France and Spain March 6 /update 8
Iraq: Government confirms two COVID-19 deaths March 4 /update 7
Iraq: COVID-19-related business disruptions and movement restrictions February 29 /update 6
Iraq: Government bans public gatherings and extends travel restrictions to nine countries February 26 /update 5
Iraq: Officials extend entry restrictions for travelers from five countries February 25 /update 4
Iraq: Officials in Najaf confirm first coronavirus case February 24 /update 3
Iraq: Authorities extend ban on travel to and from Iran amid COVID-19 outbreak February 23 /update 2
Event
On Sunday, March 22, Iraqi authorities announced a nationwide lockdown due to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), until Saturday, March 28. While many provinces established curfews, the decision applies to the entire country. The country's airports are closed, as are schools, universities, religious sites, and other gathering places.
In Baghdad, a travel ban prohibiting any travel into or out of the city, first implemented on Tuesday, March 17, will be extended until 23:00 (local time) on March 28. It is unclear whether exceptions will be made.
As of Monday, March 23, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Iraq has risen to 233 with 20 fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.
Context
The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.
Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) labelled the outbreak as pandemic.
Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.
Advice
Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone non-essential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.
To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:
- Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
- When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
- If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.
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