5 more Iraqi lawmakers test positive for coronavirus

By Haydar Karaalp

BAGHDAD (AA) - At least five more Iraqi members of parliament have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, local media reported on Thursday.

Mahasin Hamdun Dali, Alaa Nasi and Laith Dulaimi from Mosul are among the lawmakers tested positive for the virus, Hoshiar Karadag, the head of the parliament, told reporters.

The parliament would not be suspended due to the latest developments, Karadag added.

Wahdi Jumeili, another lawmaker, also announced on social media that he tested positive for COVID-19.

No information was provided regarding the identity of the fifth lawmaker, who contracted the virus.

On Wednesday, an Iraqi medical source said the country’s Transport Minister Nasser Bandar and his family tested positive for the virus.

Bandar is the first minister in the Iraqi government to have contracted the virus.

Two female lawmakers had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week.

Iraqi health authorities have so far confirmed 12,711 cases, including 773 deaths, from the disease.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz