Iraq: Authorities lift nationwide curfew from September 26 /update 52

Event

Iraqi authorities announced that the nationwide 22:00 to 05:00 (local time) curfew will be lifted from Saturday, September 26, amid the easing of some coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions in the country. Authorities previously announced the easing of some COVID-19 restrictions including the reopening of five-star hotels, restaurants, and tourist facilities. Additionally, sporting activities and events are permitted with strict health guidelines implemented.

Iraqi authorities have suspended flights with Iran until October 8 due to concerns over the increase in COVID-19 cases in Iran. The Iran border crossings of al-Munzariyah and al-Shaib and Safwan on the border with Kuwait have remained open since July. International commercial flights with other countries will also continue provided that travelers present a negative COVID-19 test taken within the 48 hours prior to their trip to Iraq.

The government also allows the crossing of borders for commercial movements. Government institutions have also increased the number of employees to 50 percent, up from the previous 25 percent limit. Social distancing and hygiene measures remain in place across the country.

As of September 26, health authorities have confirmed 345,969 COVID-19 cases with 8935 associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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 nonessential 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 COVID-19 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 disease.