Iraq’s Culture Minister, Hassan Nadhem, confirmed on Monday that he contracted the novel coronavirus as the country witnessed a massive surge in cases.
Health authorities registered more than 62,000 infected cases and deaths topped 2,500 on Monday.
The country's health system - worn down by years of conflict and insufficient maintenance - has been overwhelmed by the spiking numbers.
“The result of a Covid-19 test turned out to be positive on June 26; I immediately self-isolated and took all the necessary precautions to fight the disease,” Mr Nadhem said on Facebook.
“The doctors advised me to take the right vitamins and medications but they also told me to be courageous in this battle and to keep up with the daily routines of self-isolation,” he added.
He urged the public to follow the government's health regulations to prevent the spread of the disease.
Several Iraqi members of parliament have also contracted the virus and are being treated.
Iraqi officials have repeatedly warned that the health system is on the verge of collapse, with hospitals overwhelmed by patient numbers and running low on medical supplies, including oxygen cylinders.
Health Minister Hassan Al Tamimi said that compliance with government rules will be the only way the country can control Covid-19.
"The cases will decline if citizens fully commit to health instructions," Mr Al Tamimi said.
Since mid-May, Iraq has seen a surge of coronavirus infections and deaths.
Health officials said last week that the easing of cross-border restrictions between Iraq and Iran could have contributed to the recent spike in cases.
““We’ve discovered through our assessment that border control has not been strictly managed and certain foot movements have been observed in the eastern governorates between Iran and Iraq,” said Wael Hatahit, emergency coordinator for the World Health Organisation's operations in Iraq.
This “may have contributed to the spike that we are seeing”, Mr Hatahit said.
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Director: Robert Rodriguez
Stars: Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Keean Johnson
Four stars
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Opening day UAE Premiership fixtures, Friday, September 22:
- Dubai Sports City Eagles v Dubai Exiles
- Dubai Hurricanes v Abu Dhabi Saracens
- Jebel Ali Dragons v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
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UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
Rooney's club record
At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17
At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253
Arabian Gulf Cup FINAL
Al Nasr 2
(Negredo 1, Tozo 50)
Shabab Al Ahli 1
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