Iraq reports surge in COVID-19 infections

BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraqi health authorities on Monday reported a major surge in coronavirus infections in the Arab country.

“COVID-19 infections rose by 30 percent compared to previous waves of the pandemic,” Riyad Abdel-Amir, Public Health Director at the Health Ministry, said in statements carried by the state news agency.

He, however, said that most infections were mild.

“There is no need that requires taking decisions to restrict the movement of citizens,” he said, calling on citizens to abide by precautionary measures, including social distancing and wearing masks.

On Sunday, Iraq reported one fatality and more than 2,300 infections from the virus.