"The new variant sticks to the body's cells more so we can say it is more dangerous; it spreads faster than the previous two variants that are known as COVID-19 and 20," Rahel Faraidoon, the ministry's deputy minister told Rudaw.
"Last week's corona numbers from the south and central parts of Iraq indicate that a new wave is on its way. Some say it's the third wave, and some say it's the fourth wave," said Faridoon adding that others think it's the continuation of the third wave.
In April, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the Delta variant, also known as the Indian variant of coronavirus, has been detected in at least 17 countries, including Belgium, Switzerland, Greece and Italy.
After a decrease in the number of infections, the Region is once again witnessing a high number of cases, according to Health Minister Saman Barzanji.
"The most important thing is to wear masks; it is very concerning that we don't see people wearing them anymore," said Barzanji.
"The virus is still there," he added.
In the Kurdistan Region, around 5% of the population has received their first jab of the vaccine, and 3% are done with the process, according to Faraidoon.
The Kurdistan Region has recorded 729 cases, 464 recoveries and 8 deaths in the past 24 hours.
Iraq's Ministry of Health announced on Saturday that the country was entering a "more severe and dangerous" wave of the COVID-19 virus.
