Authorities in Southern Kurdistan have multiplied measures for the containment of coronavirus. All non-obligatory movements will be restricted for 48 hours in the cities of Hewlêr (Erbil) and Sulaymaniyah. In addition, from Saturday onwards, local and long-distance public transport will be suspended for an initial period of two weeks.

Schools, universities, theatres, museums, administrations and sports facilities in Southern Kurdistan have been closed for weeks. The governor of Sulaymaniyah Haval Abubakr announced on Friday that all restaurants, bars, hairdressers and shops whose goods are not absolutely necessary for the daily needs had to close. The measures will also be implemented in all other governorates of the autonomous region.

In Southern Kurdistan, 27 Corona cases have been confirmed so far. One infected person has died and another one has recovered according to the Ministry of Health. The rest of the sick people are doing well according to the circumstances, it was said on Friday.