Iraqi panel warns of 'famine' over coronavirus curfew

By Ali Jawad and Ibrahim Saleh

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AA) – An Iraqi parliamentary committee on Saturday warned of a "famine" in the country over curfews imposed in several provinces as part of the fight against coronavirus.

In a statement, Arshad al-Salhi, head of the Human Rights Committee, said Iraqis are left with insufficient daily sustenance due to the absence of salaries.

"The government is required to draft a strategy to immediately distribute foodstuffs immediately, otherwise we will be heading to a famine," he warned.

The Iraqi authorities have extended the curfew till April 11, as a measure to curb the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

An Iraqi officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said military and security forces closed five marketplaces in Baghdad on Saturday.

Iraq has confirmed 42 people had died from the virus and 506 infections.

After first appearing in Wuhan, China, last December, the novel coronavirus has spread to at least 177 countries and territories.

The data shows over 614,800 cases have been reported worldwide since last December, with the death toll above 28,600 and over 135,600 recoveries.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara