Kurdistan Region still free of known coronavirus cases, despite 12 suspected infections

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region’s health minister announced on Saturday that, in the previous 24 hours, results for medical tests performed on 12 individuals suspected of having the coronavirus all came back negative.

Though the number of infections in parts of Iraq outside the Kurdistan Region reached 13 on the same day, the autonomous region is still free from known cases of COVID-19.  

“Prevention measures have been taken in all Kurdistan Region’s airports and 16 checkpoints connecting the Kurdistan Region with the rest of Iraq. Other than inspection upon entry, medical forms are filled out for those entering the border of the Kurdistan Region to gather data about where they come from and where they have been. Immediate action is taken for those who are suspected of being affected,” said Minister of Health Dr. Saman Barzinji during a press conference in Sulaimani. 

“Rapid response teams have been established for any urgent cases or when there is suspicion that a person has been infected,” Barzanji continued, pointing out that health workers will retest those suspected of contracted the disease daily. 

According to the latest figures by the World Health Organization (WHO), the contagious COVID-19, as WHO refers to the virus, has so far infected over 86,000 and killed nearly 3,000 in 50 countries worldwide.

On Thursday, health officials in the Kurdistan Region concluded work on repurposing sections of hospitals to use for quarantining those infected with the virus.

“I hope we can all work together to combat this illness and, hopefully, our people will remain healthy and safe,” said Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, who visited medical centers and called for public support to maintain the safety of the population 

Related Article: Kurdistan closes schools, universities as fears of coronavirus outbreak grow

Iraq has recorded seven cases so far and the federal government has taken a wide range of steps to stem its spread. The KRG has closed down kindergartens, schools, and universities until late March. Authorities are also calling for the closure of restaurants and cafes.

Related Article: KRG prevents visa issuances for five countries amid coronavirus outbreak

On Wednesday, the Erbil provincial government said it had suspended the celebrations it holds annually to mark Newroz, the Kurdish new year. The KRG called on all other government entities and businesses in the region to follow suit to prevent a potential spread of the illness.

Editing by John J. Catherine