Iraq's Ministry of Health announced five new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, bringing the total in the country to 13.
According to the announcement, four of the patents are in the capital city Baghdad, and the fifth is in Babil province. All five are currently in quarantine.
Iraq has moved to shut its borders and ban travelers from neighboring countries which have experienced an outbreak of coronavirus, including Iran - the epicenter of the coronavirus in the Middle East - Kuwait, and Bahrain.
On Tuesday, an Iranian student and a family of four people coming from Iran were confirmed as coronavirus cases in Iraq.
Click here for our dedicated coronavirus site.
Outbreak feared amid protests, deadlock
The announcement came a day ahead of planned protests in Iraq, despite the government announcing a ban on public gatherings, citing concerns over the spread of coronavirus.
Beginning in October, anti-government demonstrations continue to take place regularly. In response to mounting pressure, former Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi resigned in late November.
However, Iraq has been mired in political deadlock since. The country’s bitterly divided parliament postponed a vote of confidence in prime minister-designate Mohammad Allawi’s government for a second time Saturday, as political wrangling continued ahead of a looming deadline.
An Iraqi demonstrator sits amid burning tires blocking a road during ongoing anti-government protests in Najaf, Iraq February 2, 2020. (Photo: Reuters)
Read more:
More Iranian officials infected with coronavirus
Armenian man tests positive for coronavirus after returning from Iran
How deadly is the coronavirus and is there a cure: 10 questions answered
- With Reuters.
Also Read
-
Iraq parliament delays confidence vote on new government for a second time
Iraq’s bitterly divided parliament postponed a vote of confidence in prime minister-designate Mohammad Allawi’s government for a second ... Middle East -
Iraq announces sixth coronavirus case associated with travel to Iran
Iraq has confirmed its sixth case of coronavirus, in a young Iraqi man in Baghdad who had traveled from Iran, the health ministry said on Thursday. Middle East -
Bahrain suspends flights to and from Iraq, Lebanon amid coronavirus fears
Bahrain suspended on Thursday all flights to and from Iraq and Lebanon as part of its latest efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus, ... Gulf -
Iraq bans public gatherings and travel to 9 countries over coronavirus concerns
Iraq banned all public gatherings and banned travelers from Kuwait and Bahrain from entry, the health minister said on Wednesday, taking the total ... Middle East
