Iraq: Authorities to ban certain flights, close land borders for two weeks from Dec. 24 due to new strain of coronavirus disease /update 74

Event

Iraqi authorities will tighten restrictions nationwide for a period of at least two weeks beginning Dec. 24 due to concerns regarding the spread of a newly discovered coronavirus disease (COVID-19) strain. Flights between Iraq and at least eight countries will be banned. The affected countries are as follows: the UK, South Africa, Australia, Denmark, Iran, Japan, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Iraqi citizens in those countries will be permitted to return to Iraq, subject to a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. Authorities may extend the flight ban or add additional countries depending on the evolution of disease activity. Furthermore, all land borders will be closed to travelers for two weeks beginning Dec. 24; cargo operations will be exempt from the closure. Malls, restaurants, clubs, and other public venues will be required to close for the duration of the measure.

Iraqi authorities are maintaining mandatory social distancing protocols and the use of facemasks in public as part of measures to curb COVID-19. Schools have reopened and government agencies are permitted to operate at full capacity. There are currently no restrictions on travel between provinces.

Officials suspended direct flights to and from Kuwait and Bahrain from Oct. 27. Travelers flying to Iraq from other countries must take a COVID-19 test not more than 72 hours before departure. The border crossings of al-Munzariyah and al-Shaib with Iran, and Safwan with Kuwait, are open.

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)
Authorities in the KRG continue to maintain strict measures as of Dec. 14 to curb the spread of COVID-19. Individuals have to wear facemasks in all public places and vehicles when there are other passengers. Authorities have also banned large gatherings, including weddings, concerts, sporting events, and conferences. Funeral ceremonies and visits to cemeteries are also prohibited. All schools are closed through Jan. 7.

There are no restrictions on travel between the region's governorates and with the rest of Iraq. The region's border crossings with Iran and Turkey are open for trade. Airports in the region are operational; all outbound and inbound travelers must prove that they tested negative for COVID-19 72 hours before their flight. Outbound passengers who wish to take the COVID-19 test must arrive at government-designated clinics with passports, facemasks, and at least IQD 100,000 (USD 84); authorities will only accept Iraqi currency for payment. Test results are likely to arrive within 24-48 hours. Travelers intending to take the test at the airport for outbound flights may face delays. All arrivals are required to quarantine for at least 14 days. Authorities will exempt officials, business travelers, and tourists on a short stay.

Authorities could ease restrictions related to COVID-19 or implement additional preventative measures, depending on the disease activity in the coming days and weeks.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

Government of Iraq
Kurdistan Regional Government
World Health Organization (WHO)