Iraq reports first coronavirus infection

By Ibrahim Saleh

BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraq on Saturday reported its first coronavirus case in the southern Dhi Qar province, according to a local medical source.

The source said an Iraqi student tested positive for the virus after returning from the Iranian city of Qom.

He said the student has been quarantined for further tests.

On Saturday, the Iraqi authorities called on its nationals not to travel to neighboring Iran, where five coronavirus deaths were reported.

The move came after Iraq banned Iranian citizens from entering the country through border terminals for three days.

Coronavirus 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.

* Bassel Ibrahim contributed to this report from Ankara