MOSUL, Iraq — The Ramadan atmosphere in Mosul feels different this year, according to locals.
People in Mosul’s Old City, many of whom work as day labourers, have been heavily affected by the implementation of the curfew and other virus prevention measures.
Most have not had work for over a month.
Some have had to borrow money to cover their living expenses, with others resorting to selling their furniture to buy food.
Waleed Jamal, who lives with his wife and three children in the old city, used to earn 10,000 dinars ($8) a day selling sweets and chocolates from his handcart.
After he became unemployed, he had to sell some of his furniture to make money.
"It has been around 40 days that we are unemployed. I used to make 10,000 (dinars) per day ($8.30), but now I am unemployed. I might be able to get something here and there and God is generous, but others are desperate for 1,000 ($0.80)," he said.
People are now afraid to go outside, his wife added.
"There are many things missing because of the corona(virus). Now, we started to make bread and prepare juice at home.. we don't buy them from outside, we are afraid," Um Ali says.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Iraq is 1,820, with 87 deaths and 1263 recoveries, according to the latest statistics by the Iraqi Ministry of Health.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as a fever and cough.
For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
Reporting by Associated Press
