COVID-19: KRG reports 860 new cases, reopens border crossings with Iran and Turkey

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region Health Ministry on Saturday reported 860 new coronavirus cases and 26 deaths due to the disease in the last 24 hours, as authorities announced the reopening of border crossings with neighboring Iran and Turkey.

A ministry statement mentioned that health workers had conducted 5,009 tests in the past 24 hours, with 860 returning positive. Of the total, 330 of the infections were in Erbil province, 137 in Sulaimani, 383 in Duhok, and 10 in Halabja.

According to the latest official figures, the Kurdistan Region has now recorded 68,044, including 39,661 recoveries and 2,289 deaths.

On Saturday, the regional Interior Ministry ordered the reopening of Kurdistan Region’s border crossings with Turkey—Ibrahim Khalil—, and Iran, including Haji Omran, Bashmakh, and Parwezkhan. All entrants test for the virus before entry, the ministry noted.

A ministry of interior explained that “a test is conducted at the border crossings for people coming to the region.” Border authorities would permit entry should they test negative and otherwise deny access to all except Iraqi nationals.

“As for foreign people who come to the region, they need an entry visa; they are not allowed to enter the region unless they have the electronic visa of the regional government or the government of Iraq.”

The ministry also extended a ban on gatherings, funerals, weddings, noting that the authorities would fine offenders two million Iraqi dinars.

The statement indicated that private sector establishments, their employees, and workers must adhere to wearing masks and apply preventive measures, warning violators of a fine of 150,000 IQD for each case.

The Interior Ministry also demanded the region’s residents adhere to preventive measures, especially wearing masks and adhering to social distancing of at least 1.5 meters in public.

Editing by Khrush Najari