Iraqi government officials, clerics unite against COVID-19
Iraq's religious establishment is supporting and working closely with the government to contain the COVID-19 pandemic's spread, though a minority of clerics are disregarding precautions and spreading disinformation among the public.
BAGHDAD — As the number of coronavirus cases grows rapidly in Iraq, the Shiite religious establishment is offering to help the government, campaigning against extremist groups that oppose health experts' recommendation to close holy shrines and mosques.
On March 24, Iraq reported a total of 316 coronavirus cases and 27 deaths, an increase of 50 new cases and four more deaths overnight, a substantial increase in number.
The Health Ministry suggested the vast number of infections are due to crowded religious ceremonies held in religious sites and people disregarding government curfews.
Top Shiite cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has issued a series of fatwas to promote social distancing and avoid religious gatherings, to curb the virus' transmission.
