The Health Committee of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) released a statement warning of the consequences of the corona pandemic in Kurdistan and calling on people not to rely on governmental guidelines but to take own protective measures.

"Corona virus cases have occurred in all parts of Kurdistan, especially in Rojhilat, Bakur and Bashur [Eastern, Northern and Southern Kurdistan]. There are few confirmed cases in Syria and none in Rojava [Western Kurdistan]. The fact that no infections have been detected there does not mean that it will not happen," the KCK Health Committee stated in its statement.

The Committee pointed out that the Turkish state and the Iranian regime have prevented own initiatives of the Kurdish people to fight the pandemic and even during this period, elected mayors in Northern Kurdistan have been deposed: "If the necessary measures to protect the health of our people are not taken, there may be worrying consequences. Kurdistan is divided into four parts, has very limited resources and is besieged by hostile forces. In order to limit the devastating effects of the pandemic, we must be very disciplined and careful. Our people must take the necessary measures and at the same time use all means for their own actions without waiting for the state forces."

The KCK Health Committee warned against taking the virus danger lightly, saying; “Nowhere should be assumed to be spared by the pandemic. Education and the preparation of treatment places for the sick could save thousands of lives, all Kurdish institutions must take measures accordingly. In all places where our people live, measures against the danger of the corona pandemic must be organised and planned in a spirit of solidarity and reduced to a minimum without panicking.

In the statement, the KCK Health Committee lists 14 protective measures that should be observed during this period. In addition to the usual rules of hygiene and restriction of movement in public spaces, the Committee advises healthy eating, adequate fluid intake and physical exercise to strengthen physical resistance. In case of suspected infection, everyone should go into quarantine on their own initiative. Health professionals should be supported and their instructions followed.

The statement goes on to say: "At this critical time, all institutions, parties and individuals representing our people must act in the national consciousness. In whatever part of Kurdistan, people's lives must be protected without distinction of political opinion or ethnic origin, their morale and motivation must be kept at a high level.

For a society that is deliberately panicked by the system, there is a danger of either developing an exaggerated sensitivity or dulling it and letting the protective measures slip. As a society, we must be prepared for all unfavorable situations without panicking and deal with possible developments in a controlled manner.

Moreover, such an attitude is a permanent necessity for a people like ours, whose right to life is under constant attack, even in the absence of a corona pandemic".

KCK also called for action to ensure the release of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan and all political prisoners who are held in unhygienic conditions in Turkey and Iran.