KRG announces 204 new COVID-19 cases; Erbil imposes partial curfew

"We have decided to end the strict curfew tonight, but we call on everyone to abide by the partial ban."

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region's Health Ministry on Saturday announced nine deaths and 204 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours.

In its 130th statement regarding the coronavirus situation, the ministry said that regional health workers had conducted 1,569 tests for the new disease, 204 of which came back positive. Of the total, 25 were from Erbil, 176 from Sulaimani, and three from Duhok.

The statement also pointed out that 268 coronavirus patients had recovered over the same period. According to official figures, the Kurdistan Region now has 7,048 infections, of which 1,597 are in Erbil province, 5,067 in Sulaimani, 186 in Duhok, and 198 in Halabja.

As of Saturday, the region also reportedly has 4,269 active cases, 554 from Erbil, 3,591 from Sulaimani, 31 from Duhok, and 93 from Halabja, the ministry said.

Earlier on Saturday, the governor of Erbil, Firsat Sofi, announced that the provincial government was lifting a curfew that came into effect a week ago, and replacing it with a partial lockdown measure.

During a press conference in the capital, Sofi said, "today, we only had 25 new coronavirus cases in Erbil." He added that "new cases are declining, and we are certain that if we commit, we will control the epidemic."

"We have taken into consideration the living conditions of the citizens, so we have taken strict measures to avoid the collapse of the city's economy," the governor added. "We have decided to end the strict curfew tonight, but we call on everyone to abide by the partial ban."

He explained that the partial lockdown entails a city-wide shutdown on Friday, a reduction in the official working hours of government institutions, and a "curfew from 8 pm to 5 am except for pharmacies and bakeries."

He affirmed that "curfew violators" will face repercussions.

Sofi noted that sports halls and all ceremonies would be prohibited, restaurants would only be allowed to open for delivery.

The governor urged residents to leave their homes only when it is necessary, and when doing so, they must wear masks.

Editing by Khrush Najari