Iraq: UK variant accounts for more than 50 per cent of latest coronavirus cases, minister says

New nationwide curfew declared to control spread of disease

A member of the Iraqi security forces stands guard in Baghdad during a curfew imposed from February 18, 2021 to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The curfew runs all day from Friday to Sunday, and from 8pm to 5am the rest of the week. REUTERS

Security forces patrol in the streets of Baghdad at the start of the new curfew to counter the spread of Covid-19. Iraq re-imposed partial lockdown measures until early March after detecting a new strain of the coronavirus, including among children. AP Photo

Security forces close off streets in Baghdad at the start of the new curfew to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Iraq. AP Photo

Tahrir Square remains empty at the start of the new curfew to counter Covid-19 in Baghdad, Iraq. Mosques and schools are closed, large gatherings prohibited, and the wearing of masks and other protective gear will be enforced, according to a statement from the government. AP Photo

Iraqi security forces stand guard during a Covid-19 curfew in Baghdad, Iraq. REUTERS

An motorcyclist rides down an empty street in Karbala during a nighttime curfew imposed by Iraqi authorities to curb the spread of the Covid-19. AFP

Police question a civilian in Baghdad after the start of the new curfew to prevent the spread of Covid-19. AP Photo

The Saadoun tunnel in Baghdad is empty after the start of a new curfew in Iraq to prevent the spread of Covid-19. AP Photo

Iraqi security forces patrol the streets during a curfew, which was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Baghdad, Iraq. REUTERS

Iraqi police officers stand guard on a street after the start of a Covid-19 curfew in Baghdad. Reuters

Iraqi police man a checkpoint during a nightime curfew imposed by authorities to curb the spread of the Covid-19. AFP

Iraqi police patrol a street in Baghdad during a nightime curfew. AFP

More than 50 per cent of new coronavirus cases in Iraq during the past three days are from the UK variant, Health Minister Hassan Al Timimi said on Thursday.

"We have witnessed a rapid outbreak of the new strain during the last three days," Mr Al Timimi said.

Young people and children recorded the highest number of infections, he said, and urged the public to follow government coronavirus guidelines to minimise its impact as the UK variant appears to be significantly more transmissible than many other forms of Covid-19.

“The increasing number of critical cases across the country puts great danger and pressure on health institutions,” he said.

Iraq is one of the hardest-hit countries in the Middle East, with more than 657,000 reported cases and more than 13,000 deaths since the outbreak began.

Health authorities reported 3,896 new cases on Thursday and 16 deaths.

Although the numbers have dropped dramatically in recent weeks, Mr Al Timimi said they could rise again.

The public must avoid “movements between cities as well as gatherings” to reduce the number of infections, he said.

The minister said schools and places where people gather – including mosques and beauty salons – will close to limit the spread of the virus.

Britain and South Africa reported fast-spreading variants of the coronavirus, prompting some nations to ban travel to the two countries.

The Iraqi official said a night curfew will come into place on Thursday across the country.

The curfew will be from 8pm to 5am for a period of two weeks.

There is concern that Iraq's health system will not be able to cope with a major surge of Covid-19 after years of war, UN sanctions, neglect and corruption.

In December, the country said it had agreed with Pfizer to import 1.5 million doses of its Covid-19 vaccine.

Pfizer's vaccine must be stored at minus 70°C, a temperature much lower than standard freezers and which forced the company to develop special containers for transport.

Iraq is one of the hottest countries in the world and has a dilapidated power-generation network that results in daily cuts to the mains supply.