Tens of Iraq journalists and media workers have contracted COVID-19 and two of them have died of the virus, according to data of journalists’ syndicate, the health instiutions and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Muayad al-Lami, head of the journalists’ syndicate, in a statement issued on June 23, said that eight journalists have been infected with the virus in Maysan, Nineveh, Baghdad, Najaf and Dhi Qar provinces, adding that, “we are in touch with them and their families and none of them is in a ciritical health condition.”
Lami said that they are attempting to help them with their treatment and financial situation.
Last week, Lami also offered the condolences of the syndicate to the family of journalist Ali Wahid, who died of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, UNESCO data shows that 11 journalists have tested positive for the virus in Iraq and two of them have died.
A source from health directorate in Sulaimaniyah told KirkukNow that, “in recent days, six journalists contracted the virus.”
In recent days, six journalists contracted the virus
These are the officially announced data, while tens of other journalist are waiting for the results of their COVID-19 tests.
“Four of that six journalists had interactions with each other,” the source added.
Journalists have been informed to have coronavirus test as soon as possible
Karwan Anwar, head of Sulaimaniyah branch of the Journalists’ Syndicate, confirmed the infections of the six journalists and said that, “journalists have been informed to have coronavirus test as soon as possible to know whether they are infected with the virus or not.”
Today, June 24, health directorate in Sulaimaniyah announced that Dr. Yad Naqishbandi, the spokesperson of the directorate, is infected with the virus, while many journalists had met him to receive information on the COVID-19 situation in the city.
