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Iraq Extends Curfew for another Week

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi chaired a meeting of the Higher Committee for Health and National Safety on Saturday.

At the start of the meeting, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Iraq’s health teams and security forces and thanked them for their hard work during the Covid-19 health emergency.

The Prime Minister called on all Iraqis to remain vigilant, abide by the curfew, follow official health advice and physical distancing rules, and avoid gatherings.

Following discussions, the Higher Committee for Health and National Safety decided to:

Extend the nationwide curfew until Saturday 13/06/2020

Impose a partial curfew between 6 PM and 5 AM from Sunday 14/06/2020

Impose a curfew for 24 hours a day every Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Maintain the ban on all gatherings in all their forms

Maintain the ban on travel within provinces

The Committee also decided that:

Parks, cafes, cinemas, malls, sport centres, private teaching institutes, swimming pools and shops to remain closed, except for food stores, bakeries and pharmacies which remain exempt. Restaurants will also stay closed, except for home delivery services.

(Source: Govt of Iraq)

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Denmark helps Combat COVID-19 Pandemic in Iraq

The Government of Denmark has committed DKK 6,000,000 (approximately US$870,000) to support the Government of Iraq’s response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq.

The funds have been pledged under UNDP Iraq’s overall COVID-19 response package which is administered under the Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS) and includes increasing the testing capacity of laboratories, providing personal protective equipment to healthcare workers, increasing the number of isolation wards, promoting social cohesion, and undertaking assessments to establish post-COVID-19 recovery strategies.

Denmark’s contribution will largely focus on supporting local peace committees – established by UNDP with Denmark’s support in 2018, to promote social cohesion, peace and stability in Iraq post-ISIL – to respond to the pandemic. Funds will also be used to boost the capacity of youth and women’s community groups to address social issues like stigma and discrimination among communities.

In connection with the Danish support, the Danish Foreign Minister, Jeppe Kofod (pictured), stated:

“The Danish support for Iraq’s COVID-19 response is a part of our continuous support for peace and stabilization in Iraq. It is very encouraging to see how local community groups are stepping up in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – and I applaud the tremendous work carried out by both UNDP and these community groups, which is essential in our common efforts to curb the spread of the virus”.

The UNDP Iraq’s Resident Representative, Zena Ali Ahmad, said:

“The support of community groups in managing the COVID-19 pandemic has been invaluable. Local peace committees, along with community youth and women’s groups, have taken the initiative to protect their own communities from COVID-19 through initiatives such as sterilizing public spaces, providing food baskets for vulnerable families, and setting up mobile health clinics.

“These activities help to curb the spread of the virus but at the same time promote more cohesive communities. We’re grateful to Government of Denmark for this generous contribution and their continued commitment to a peaceful Iraq.“

Denmark is a key partner for UNDP Iraq, providing more than $58 million for stabilization, social cohesion, and security sector reform activities since 2015.

(Source: UN)

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Japan Prioritizes Iraq’s Recovery from COVID-19

Japan prioritizes Iraq’s health and recovery from COVID-19 in new contribution

The Government of Japan has committed US$2.26 million to support the Government of Iraq’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq.

The funds will be used to purchase critical medical equipment such as ventilators, as well as assist with socio-economic needs and impact assessments to establish post-COVID-19 recovery strategies for Iraq.

The activities fall under UNDP Iraq’s overall COVID-19 response plan which is administered through the Funding Facility for Stabilization and also includes increasing the testing capacity of laboratories, providing personal protective equipment to healthcare workers, building isolation units for infected patients and promoting social cohesion among communities.

UNDP Iraq’s Resident Representative, Zena Ali Ahmad, said:

“The emergence of COVID-19 has added yet another layer of crisis upon Iraq’s already-fragile state, crippling its healthcare system, the economy and people’s livelihoods. This is deeply concerning especially for vulnerable communities that inevitably bear the brunt of such shocks.

“We’re extremely grateful for Japan’s support which is critical to not only ensuring patients receive the necessary medical care quickly and efficiently, but also to help build Iraq’s roadmap for long-term recovery post-COVID-19.“

The Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, His Excellency Mr. Naofumi Hashimoto stated:

“Given that COVID-19 is raging across the world, it is crucial for the international community to make concerted efforts, and I hope that the Japan’s assistance through UNDP will help fight against COVID-19 and address socio-economic impact.

“Under such challenging circumstances, I wish to engage in and strengthen a close cooperation with the new Government of Iraq on a wide range of issues.”

Japan is one of UNDP Iraq’s key partners, providing more than $86 million since 2014 for stabilization, community security and livelihood activities.

(Source: UNDP)

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Iraq’s May Oil Revenue Slightly Up

By John Lee.

Iraq’s Ministry of Oil has announced oil exports for May of 99,585,283 barrels, giving an average for the month of 3.212 million barrels per day (bpd), down from the 3.438 million bpd exported in April.

These exports from the oilfields in central and southern Iraq amounted to 96,039,852 barrels, while exports from Kirkuk amounted to 3,545,431 barrels.

Revenues for the month were $2.092 billion at an average price of $21.005 per barrel.

April’s export figures can be found here.

(Source: Ministry of Oil)

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WHO: Iraq Lockdown Decision “Necessary”

The World Health Organization (WHO) in Iraq is urging Iraqis to follow the instructions of the health authorities to contain the spread of COVID-19 after a rise in infections, stressing that the re-introduction of a complete lockdown in Iraq was a necessary measure in the fight against the virus.

WHO Representative in Iraq, Dr. Adham R. Ismail, reaffirms WHO’s continued support for and cooperation with the health authorities in Baghdad and in the Kurdistan Region to ensure the success of the measures to combat COVID-19.

Dr. Ismail calls upon Iraqis across the country to commit to the highest levels of preventive measures and adhere to the lockdown to help the health authorities contain the spread of the virus. He also calls upon the authorities to strictly apply the lockdown measures coupled with intense testing of suspected cases through contact tracing and active surveillance. “These measures can only achieve the desired results with the collaboration of all.”

As of 31 May 2020, Iraq reported 6,439 cases, reflecting an increase in the average daily reports which is due to intensive active surveillance activities conducted by the health authorities to detect COVID-19 cases and ensure the citizens are following the necessary preventive measures and social distancing.

(Source: UN)

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Iraq Returns to Lockdown after Surge in Coronavirus

By Al-Monitor staff. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

Iraq returns to lockdown after surge in coronavirus cases

Iraq reimposed total lockdowns over the weekend following a surge in COVID-19 cases.

After meeting with his COVID-19 task force on Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s government decided to institute a nationwide curfew until June 6, 2020.

Click here to read the full story.

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Covid-19: Iraq Extends Nationwide Curfew

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi chaired on Saturday a joint meeting of  the Higher Committee for Health and National Safety and the parliamentary Covid-19 crisis cell.

At the start of the meeting, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Iraq‘s health teams for being on the frontline during the current health emergency, and to Iraqi security forces for supporting Iraq‘s national effort to combat Covid-19.

The Prime Minister thanked Iraqi families for observing the curfew and complying with other restrictions during this very challenging period.

Following discussions, the joint meeting agreed a number of measures, including:

  • Extending the nationwide curfew in Iraq until 06/06/2020. Grocery stores, bakeries and pharmacies are exempt, provided that no more than five customers are allowed into such premises at any one time, and that both staff and customers wear face masks
  • Restaurants to remain closed, but are allowed to offer home delivery service
  • All ministries will remain closed during this period, except for the ministries of Health, Electricity, Agriculture and Water Resources, as well security ministries and municipality services
  • The wearing of face masks in public remains compulsory, with fines for those who fail to comply
  • Domestic flights remain suspended, as are flights to and from Iraq
  • The security forces are directed to strictly enforce these measures in cities and towns, and within neighbourhoods

The joint meeting underscored the importance of all citizens continuing to follow official health advice and physical distancing guidelines, and to comply with the curfew to keep themselves, their families and communities safe.

(Source: Govt of Iraq)

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Iraq registers Dramatic Jump in COVID-19 Cases

By Al-Monitor staff. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

Iraq registers Dramatic Jump in COVID-19 Cases

Iraq registered more than 400 positive COVID-19 tests today, its highest ever total in a single day.

The Iraqi Health Ministry reported 416 infections today. The number included a whopping 265 in the capital, Baghdad. There were other cases in the south, the Kurdistan Region and throughout the country, according to the ministry.

The figure was the highest ever in a single day in Iraq, according to the Iraqi Kurdish news outlet Rudaw.

Click here to read the full story.

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Switzerland Supports WFP Assistance to Refugees in Iraq

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a donation of US$522,500 from the Government of Switzerland to support the food needs of nearly 24,000 refugees and internally displaced people for one month.

The funds, coming through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, will be used to provide cash assistance to 13,400 Iraqis displaced by the conflict and 10,400 Syrian refugees.

“During the ongoing pandemic, refugees and displaced persons remain among the most vulnerable in Iraq,” said the Ambassador of Switzerland to Iraq Lukas Gasser.

“Switzerland continues its long-term partnership with WFP, working together to support displaced Iraqis and Syrian refugee families, to get through this difficult time of heightened need – especially as many affected people remain unable to work.”

Due to increased needs caused by COVID-19, WFP has scaled up its assistance in Iraq reaching a total of 76,000 refugees and 280,000 IDPs.

“WFP expresses its continued gratitude for the steadfast support of the people and Government of Switzerland particularly during this difficult time,” said WFP Representative in Iraq Abdirahman Meygag.

“Many IDPs and refugee families had begun to achieve some self-sufficiency in securing their food needs before the pandemic. Now many have lost their jobs, among the worst affected are day labourers and seasonal workers.”

In ongoing efforts to mitigate COVID-19, WFP is pioneering cashless payments in camps, so that people can purchase food in a “contactless” manner. This both reduces the need for banknotes, and helps avoid the need for people to leave the camp and move around more than necessary.

Meanwhile, WFP and its partners continue awareness sessions on precautionary measures, and will begin emergency livelihoods projects as soon as it is safe, to help affected people to work again and secure their food needs.

(Source: UN)