ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — After nearly two months of a strict coronavirus-related lockdown in the Kurdistan Region’s capital city of Erbil, people of all ages flock downtown to enjoy the end of a day’s fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) this week eased parts of the coronavirus-related lockdown, imposed on March 14, to allow most businesses to reopen. Movement is now also allowed within provinces.

Only a selected number of businesses remain closed, including bars, shisha lounges, massage parlours, party halls, and funeral homes.

As seen in these photos taken on Monday evening, youth visited the famous Machko tea house and elders gathered around in other tea houses, playing traditional games. 

The Kurdistan Region has recorded 391 cases so far. Of this, 375 have recovered and five died. It has not recorded any new cases of COVID-19 in the last six days. 


Photos: Bilind T. Abdullah