Covid-19 infection cases have spiked remarkably across Iraq in January due to public socializing and overlooking health measures, Iraqi minister of health said in a press conference on Wednesday in Baghdad.
"There were only 1.5% positive cases out of total tests but it has soared to 2.6% due to disregard of masking and health measures," Dr. Hassan Mohammed Al-Timimi, minister of health and environment said.
The ministry stated that the figures are the highest record in a month.
Ordinary life has been resumed in Iraq as authorities eased restrictions except closure of schools. Pupils attend classrooms once a day and schools offer away learning.
"People do not follow measures of ministry of health and high committee for health and safety," the minister warned of a new wave in case wearing masks and social distancing rules not followed.
Iraq has registered about 622,000 cases out of which 13,000 passed away since last February.
"We are monitoring the situation with our consultants and experts, in case the cases keep rising and the public do not follow rules, then we have to take strict measures as curfew, quarantine and travel ban,"
"We are monitoring the situation with our consultants and experts, in case the cases keep rising and the public do not follow rules, then we have to take strict measures as curfew, quarantine and travel ban,"
He called upon civil servants in government office and visitors to use mask compulsorily during work hours, ban gatherings, social distancing, sanitizing and using modern technology instead of paper circulation in government offices.
People skip precautions as authorities eased restrictions and believe they have acquired herd immunity so rarely people use masks and keep social distancing. Others believe it is the quietness before the storm in reference to the new variant of Covid-19 which is ramping all over the world.
Minister of health called for tougher financial penalties on shops, malls, restaurants and cafes up to closure when health warnings to fight the pandemic disregarded. He asked for more awareness and educating campaigns about Covid-19 pandemic.
Iraq has not started vaccination process but it had come to agreement with three vaccine providers: Pfizer-Biontech, Astra Zeneca and Sinopharm.
Logistic preparations almost completed and jets ready to transport the first shipment end of February, the minister confirmed.
