Iraq confirms 30 new COVID-19 cases, 1,232 in total

The Iraqi Health Ministry on Thursday confirmed 30 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of infections to 1,232.

Out of the 30 cases confirmed during the past 24 hours, 12 are in the capital Baghdad, eight in Basra, two in each Dhi Qar and Diyala, and one in the provinces of Najaf, Sulaimaniyah, Erbil, Karbala, Kirkuk and Wasit each, the ministry said in a statement.

So far, 1,232 cases have been confirmed in the country, of whom 69 have died and 496 recovered, according to the statement.

The Iraqi authorities have taken several measures to contain the outbreak of COVID-19, including extending a nationwide curfew until April 19.

To help Iraq cope with the coronavirus spread, a Chinese team of seven experts has been working with their Iraqi counterparts since March 7.