Iraq Closes Border with Iran Due to Coronavirus

Iraq has closed its border with Iran amid concerns over the spread of the new COVID-2019 coronavirus. This information was reported by Reuters.

Iraqi officials made the decision after Iranian authorities announced two deaths in the country attributed to the coronavirus.

The Iraqi Ministry of Health explained the necessity of such measures due to the "intense passenger traffic between the two countries, which can reach several million people during religious pilgrimages, as well as the difficulties in organizing preventive measures that include screening passengers and holding them in quarantine conditions." Meanwhile, the authorities have not closed the border for Iraqis returning from Iran, but they will be required to undergo a two-week quarantine upon returning.

Iraqi airlines have also suspended flights to Iran.