The Sêmalka border crossing between Rojava and Southern Kurdistan will be closed for an unlimited period of time. The closure of the border is part of a package of measures decided by the Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria based on the reports of the Health Committee.

The closure will start on 1 March for an unlimited period of time. The Health Committee of the Autonomous Administration has already taken measures at the Sêmalka border station prior to the decision.

Precautionary measures have also been taken in Southern Kurdistan and throughout Iraq. Schools, universities, cinemas and cafés will remain closed for the time being. Two Corona cases have been reported from Baghdad. In neighbouring Iran, the number of deaths has risen to 26 according to official figures. The Iraqi government has banned travel to Iran, China, Kuwait, Bahrain and Italy.