After an unprecedented toll, first Iraqi province re-imposes complete lockdown

Shafaq News / The local administration in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate announced on Wednesday that a complete lockdown will be imposed  until further notice, while closing the province's entrances and exits in southern Iraq.

The cell decided to impose a complete lockdown throughout the province, The head of the Crisis Cell, Diwaniya Governor Zuhair Ali Al-Shaalan, said in a statement to Shafaq News Agency.

He pointed out that the cell also decided to "close the entrances and exits of the province and prevent includes cars, bicycles and pedestrians from moving", noting "to take legal measures against violators."

Al-Shaalan added that the new decisions come after the rise in the number of people infected with Corona virus in a number of governorates and in compliance with the decisions of the Central Crisis Cell.

These decisions come after Iraq recorded 119 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, which is the highest daily outcome recorded by the country since the outbreak of the pandemic, as well as three new deaths.

In total, Iraq recorded 3032 confirmed cases of Coronavirus, including 115 deaths and 1966 recoveries, while 951 patients remained in health centers.

To prevent the spread of the virus, Iraq has taken several measures, including: curfews, suspending schools, closing public places, such as parks, cafes, cinemas and mosques, and stopping flights.

However, the Iraqi authorities eased the curfew restrictions, starting on 21 of April, by allowing citizens to roam during day hours, under conditions the most important wearing protective masks and avoiding gatherings.

The infections had witnessed a noticeable decline about two weeks ago to less than 50 a day before returning to the height due to the easing of restrictions.