The health ministry recorded 3,346 new cases of coronavirus as well as 1,888 and 70 deaths in the last 24 hours. This is the highest single-day jump in cases since the first patient was confirmed in late February.
The total number of cases across Iraq is now 124,609. Of these, 87,343 patients have recovered and 4,741 died. This includes figures announced by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
The Eid holiday is traditionally a time for families and friends to get together. Fearing the spread of the highly contagious virus as people kiss, hug, and shake hands during the four days of holiday, the government imposed a complete lockdown, from Thursday through to August 9. During this period, only emergency traffic will be allowed.
However, as seen in previous lockdowns, many people do not abide by the restrictions and few wear face masks and latex gloves.
The rising number of cases is a blow to the newly-established Iraqi cabinet, led by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, as it struggles to pay its civil servants and address frequent protests over lack of basic services and electricity shortages.
