Kurdistan Region schools to remain closed until January 7: KRG spokesperson

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Schools in the Kurdistan Region will remain closed until the beginning of next year despite a decrease in the number of coronavirus cases, according to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s spokesperson. 

KRG officials, including the ministers of interior and health, held a meeting of the coronavirus crisis cell on Tuesday. 

KRG spokesperson Jotiar Adil told reporters that the cell decided to extend school closures until January 7, 2021 as the virus is yet to be brought “under control.” 

“Coronavirus is not under control yet. The restrictions to curb the virus are still in place and should be even stricter,” said Adil. 

University studies will not be affected by the decision, with classes to remain online and in-person.

The cell decided to close schools on November 1 due to a spike in COVID-19 cases. They were originally closed in late February, before being reopened in mid-September for grade 12 students, and in October for students in grades one and two.

The Kurdistan Region recorded 389 new cases of the virus, 325 recoveries and 23 deaths on Tuesday - lower than previous daily rates. It has recorded 97,005 cases, including 60,688 recoveries and 3,169 deaths,  since the coronavirus outbreak began in March. 

Translated by Karwan Faidhi Dri