SULAIMANI (ESTA) — The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Monday imposed a ban on travel between the Kurdistan Region and other Iraqi provinces, as part of measures to curb coronavirus outbreak.
In a statement, the KRG Supreme Committee to Combat Coronavirus said it had made the decision in an effort to protect “health security” of the Kurdistan Region.
The committee further said the U.N. and international organizations and agencies as well as diplomatic missions, coalition, and the official delegations would be allowed to travel between the Region and provinces under the federal government’s control.
“Citizens who live in the Kurdistan Region” would be permitted to return to the Kurdistan Region but have to conduct coronavirus tests at the checkpoints, the committee added.
It also said people who need treatment at the Kurdistan Region’s hospitals would be able to visit the Region.
“Trade between the Kurdistan Region and Iraqi provinces will continue, taking into account protective measures,” the statement read.
Kurdish health officials have warned that the Kurdistan Region is facing a “dangerous phase” of the coronavirus pandemic, urging people to follow the health guidelines designed to curb the virus spread.
Earlier on Monday, the Ministry of Health reported 1,045 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours, making a new one-day record as the hard-hit Region struggles to control its third wave of infections.
On March 31, the KRG supreme committee to combat coronavirus also closed all religious sites, including mosques, churches and temples, as part of measures to curb the virus spread.
The ministry of interior also announced new restrictions on March 30.
Under the new restrictions, schools and universities remain closed until April 10, according to the ministry. Restaurants, cafeterias, clubs, game centers and other public places will be closed at 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. every day.
