Health

Iraq reports record 9,189 new COVID-19 infections

Iraq's health ministry called on the public to get vaccinated against the highly contagious disease and follow preventative health measures.

Mustafa Shilani 2021/07/08 18:34

Iraq Iraq COVID-19

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Iraq's Health Ministry on Thursday warned of a "more severe and dangerous" wave of COVID-19 in the country, as the number of infections continues to increase.

"A significant increase in the number of coronavirus infections was recorded today compared to previous days," the ministry said in a statement. The body again laid primary blame on citizens not adhering to public health guidelines.

"Public complacency has led to a significant increase in the number of cases" and the third wave of infections, "which may be more dangerous and severe," the health ministry said.

It also said that even higher numbers of daily infections are likely "in the coming days."

The statement comes as the health ministry on Thursday reported a new all-time record of 9,189 infections in the past 24 hours. There were also reportedly 31 virus-related deaths.

“We call on the citizens to take this matter very seriously and to return to full commitment to the preventive measures,” the statement added.

The ministry also urged the public to get vaccinated at designated immunization centers across the country.

On Wednesday, Iraq’s top committee to combat the spread of COVID-19 announced new regulations, including a countrywide partial curfew between 11 p.m. to 5 a.m for a week.

The total number of infections in Iraq reached 1,406,289, including 17,444 deaths.