A Statement from Prime Minister Masrour Barzani

Erbil, Kurdistan Region Iraqi (GOV.KRD) - In a statement on Sunday, Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani urged people to stay at home, follow the precautionary measures of the Health and Interior Ministries concerning the coronavirus, and keep themselves, their families and the people of the Kurdistan Region safe.

Full statement:

I ask everyone to follow the instructions of both the Health and Interior Ministries in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Despite previous warnings and the government’s strict measures, some people still continue to violate the regulations. They are not only putting their own lives at risk. They are also risking the lives of their relatives, and their fellow citizens in the Kurdistan Region.

Unfortunately, the number of infected cases in the Kurdistan Region as a whole, and Sulaimaniyah Province in particular, is rising. The reasons include lack of cooperation with relevant government agencies, and the violation of preventative measures by some people, especially at border crossings.

No personal interest justifies risking your own life, and other people's lives. I therefore ask the relevant agencies to be more rigorous in implementing the government's measures, and to take action against anyone who does not follow them.

I hope that our citizens are taking the threat of this pandemic seriously. The government will continue doing everything it can to protect people. However, we need to work together.

The capacity of the Kurdistan Region’s health system is limited, so it's important to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Any negligence could have catastrophic consequences. Consequently, all individuals and parties should put aside their personal interests and make public wellbeing their priority, as no one is exempt from the consequences of this pandemic.

I urge the people of the Kurdistan Region to follow the government's health instructions. I encourage you to stay at home, reduce contact with other people and avoid travelling anywhere.

I would like to thank the people of the Kurdistan Region for their resilience and applaud the health teams, doctors and nurses who are at the forefront of fighting this pandemic. I must also thank our law enforcement agencies, municipalities, electricity providers and all other service departments for working round the clock to save people’s lives and enforce the preventative measures.