Border crossing between Turkey, Iraq's KRG closed due to coronavirus

Photo: AA

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The border crossing between Turkey and Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) will be closed as part of the measures against the Covid-19 outbreak, the KRG has announced.

Only commercial vehicles will be allowed through the Habur-Ibrahim Khalil border crossings for a week, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

For special cases, passengers will have to obtain permission from the KRG Ministry of Interior.

The KRG also suspended travels with Iraq's cities for a week and shut down all touristic places, parks, swimming pools, bars and hairdresser salons.

The Habur Border Crossing was closed on March 1 and reopened on May 4 for cargo transportation and on June 4 for passengers.

Covid-19 in Iraq

Due to the Eid al-Adha holiday, the Baghdad government imposed a total curfew from July 30 until Aug. 9.

Health centers across the country face shortages of oxygen supplies and protective equipment, according to AA.

In this regard, the Higher Committee for Health and National Safety directed the Ministry of Health to provide the necessary support to investors wishing to build medical oxygen production plants.

Security forces have also been ordered to implement the committee decisions including the wearing of face masks, social distancing rules and the imposition of fines and the seizure of vehicles of those who break the rules. (TP/VK)