27.02.2020 11:41
Man who recently returned from Iran tests positive in capital Baghdad.
By Ali Jawad
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AA) – The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Iraq has risen to six, the country's Health Ministry said on Thursday.
A ministry spokesman said a young man who recently came back from Iran tested positive for the virus in the capital Baghdad.
"The patient has been placed in quarantine and is receiving proper treatment at a hospital in Baghdad," Dr. Saif Al-Badr told reporters.
On Wednesday, Iraqi authorities closed all universities and schools for 10 days, and announced a travel ban for nine countries including Iran, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Kuwait.
Iraq is among over 35 countries which account for the nearly 80,000 COVID-19 cases confirmed around the world.
The global death toll is nearly 2,800, and China, where the outbreak originated, is the worst-hit with more than 78,000 cases and over 2,700 fatalities.
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak an international health emergency and said the global risk level remains high.
*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara -