Human Rights Commission Calls for ‘State of Emergency’ in Basra

The Human Rights Commission in Iraq’s southern province of Basra is calling for a ‘state of emergency’ as the number of coronavirus cases increases.

The commission said in an appeal directed to the Coronavirus task force and governor’s office in Basra that the current situation requires a state of emergency to save lives and curb the spread of the novel virus.

Iraqi Health Ministry said on Wednesday that 75 in Basra had tested positive for COVID-19 within 24 hours only, with two deaths recorded in the province.

As of April 30, the total number of infections in Iraq stands at 2,003, with 92 deaths, including those in Kurdistan Region.