UPDATE - Iraq shuts border crossings with Iran amid corona fear

UPDATES WITH IRAQ'S SUSPENDING VISA ISSUANCE FOR IRANIANS

By Ibrahim Saleh

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AA) - The Maysan province in Iraq decided Thursday to close its border with Iran over fears of the spread of the new coronavirus in Iraq.

Local Iraqi media reported that Health Ministry decided to prevent Iranian citizens from entering the country until further notice.

The southern province confirmed the al-Sheib border crossing was closed Thursday to passengers and commerce.

Authorities in the southeastern Wasit province urged the government close the Zurbatiyah border crossing with Iran to prevent the spread of the virus, officially known as COVID-19.

In Najaf, officials also warned of traveling to Qom.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi authorities decided to suspend visa issuance for Iranian citizens.

According to a statement issued by the Interior Ministry, the decision will go into effect as of Thursday.

The measures came after Iran confirmed Wednesday first two deaths from coronavirus in the city of Qom, in addition to three new cases on Thursday.

The death toll in China from the virus outbreak rose to 2,120, the country’s National Health Commission said on Thursday.

The commission said there are 11,864 confirmed cases of the virus, while more than 126,000 people are currently under medical care.

More than 16,000 people have been discharged from hospitals after successfully recovering.

According to the latest reports, 114 people died in the past 24 hours.

In an earlier statement, Chinese health authorities said the virus posed more of a risk to the elderly, men and those suffering from diseases.

It has spread to more than 25 other countries including the U.S., the U.K., Singapore, France, Russia, Spain, and India.

Many countries, including Turkey, evacuated their citizens from the city of Wuhan – the epicenter of the virus – and other affected areas of China, placing them under quarantine and monitoring.

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

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara.