Spokesman for Iraqi Health Ministry announced the country will not issue permission for foreign pilgrims of Arba'een 2020 due to the new coronavirus pandemic.

Saif al-Badr, spokesman for Iraq Health Ministry announced no new decision regarding opening of the borders and issuing permission for foreign pilgrims of Arba'een has been made, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).
 
Iraqi spokesman stressed," According to the enactment by National Task Force for Fighting Coronavirus entrance of foreign pilgrims for Arba'een ceremony is forbidden."
 
According to the spokesman the recent meeting of National Task Force for Fighting Coronavirus was also chaired by Mustafa Al Kadhimi as the Prime Minister agreed with limited trade deals at borders."
 
He reiterated that in the recent meeting led by Prime Minister al-Kadhimi no new decision, regarding reopening of the borders for pilgrims, have been made and that the previous decisions banning entrance of pilgrims to Iraq are in effect.
 
The decision comes as part of the health measures to protect the lives of Iraqi citizens and also pilgrims against the pandemic infection.
 
The annual Muharram mourning ceremonies, marking the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala, usually marked by millions of Muslims across the globe has been restrictedly held due to the coronavirus pandemic.