Iraq extends entry ban on Iranians over coronavirus

By Hamdi Yildiz

BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraq extended its entry ban on Iranian travelers Monday for 15 more days amid a growing coronavirus outbreak in Iran.

According to a statement by Iraqi border authorities, the decision came after a meeting between Baghdad’s coronavirus intervention body and the Iranian embassy in Iraq.

An official who asked not to be named said those possessing diplomatic passports would be exempted and Iraq could adopt a new stance toward flights to and from Iran within 48 hours.

According to the latest data released by the Iranian Health Ministry, eight people have died from the outbreak and there are 43 confirmed cases.

In China, the epicenter of the virus, the death toll from the outbreak reached 2,444 Sunday with over 76,000 confirmed cases.

More than 18,260 people have been discharged from hospitals after receiving treatment.

The coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, has spread to more than 25 other countries including the U.S., the U.K., Singapore, France, Russia, Spain and India.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak an international health emergency.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas