Iraq Bans Pilgrims to Contain Pandemic

Date: 16 August 2020 - 22:08

News ID: ۸۱۷۹۵

BAGHDAD (Dispatches) – Iraq on Sunday banned all pilgrims and tourists from entering the country in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic as the Shia pilgrimage in the holy month of Muharram approaches.
The decision, approved by Iraq’s Higher Committee for Health and Public Safety, which came into effect Sunday, seeks to prevent the country’s economy and health sectors from further collapse as the country faces an increase in infected cases.
"Iraq’s Higher Committee for National Health and Safety amends the partial curfew to apply from 10pm to 5am daily, and bans all travelers from entering Iraq for the purpose of tourism,” said a government statement.
Daily tallies have increased rapidly during the last few weeks with cases topping 4,000 infections every 24 hours.
On Sunday, Iraq recorded 4,348 new cases during the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 172,583.
The total death tally also increased by 79 cases, which brought the total to 5,860 deaths.
Authorities have imposed a partial nationwide curfew since the outbreak of the pandemic in early March.
Iraq’s religious calendar is filled with annual pilgrimages throughout the year, attracting millions of worshippers from Iran and the rest of the world.
Pilgrimages in Iraq are some of the biggest mass gatherings on earth.
The upcoming one will be held during the holy month of Muharram which has an annual pilgrimage marking the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammed’s grandson Imam Hussein (Peace Be Upon Them) in battle in 680.