Erbil governor urges public to stay indoors to curb contagion

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – On Wednesday, Erbil Governor Firsat Sofy urged residents of his province to stay in their homes as much as possible to curb the spread of the coronavirus that has infected populations of over 100 nations across the world.

“So far, Erbil has registered four confirmed cases of coronavirus,” said Sofy in a press conference, adding that those infected are all in stable condition and are receiving proper medical care at the main coronavirus quarantine center in Erbil.

“I advise the people to stay in their homes so that the virus remains a mere few cases and does not turn into a pandemic, as we are witnessing in Iran,” the governor continued, pointing out that the provincial government would resort to imposing a broad curfew if it deemed such a measure necessary.

Also that day, Erbil health officials confirmed a new infection of COVID-19, as it is officially called, in a 32-year-old student who was being held in quarantine following his return from Iran. 

According to the latest statistics announced by the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Minister of Health Saman Al-Barzanji, the autonomous region recorded 19 confirmed cases of coronavirus in total, one of whom died, a religious cleric in Sulaimani, and another who made a full recovery and left the hospital. 

There have been 74 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Iraq and a total of eight deaths.

KRG spokesman Jutyar Adil called on the media to assist in the overall effort to contain the virus by refraining from “spread fear and confusion.” 

“Let us work together to educate the people to aid in preserve their health and safety and not to allow the spread of chaos through incorrect and inaccurate information,” added Adil.

The disease has killed nearly 4,600 people worldwide and has infected nearly 125,000 in more than 100 countries. 

While the coronavirus outbreak has reportedly slowed in mainland China where it first appeared, the number of cases is growing in Europe and also Iran, a new epicenter for the virus.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Masrour Barzani chaired a cabinet meeting to discuss the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the autonomous region.

Read More: Kurdistan PM, cabinet discuss economic implications of coronavirus

“The Prime Minister called on all peoples and parties in the Kurdistan Region to abide by the instructions issued by the government to keep the public safe,” he stated, according to Prime Minister’s press office.

“The implications of coronavirus are not limited to public health, but also affect the economy of the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and the wider world.”

Editing by John J. Catherine