Civil Defence workers disinfect Sadr City streets

Iraqi civil defence workers on Monday continued to spray disinfectant at the streets of Baghdad's densely populated Sadr City in a bid to curb the outbreak of the new coronavirus.

Sadr City is predominantly Shiite and impoverished - with many being without government jobs and business opportunities.

Iraqi authorities also continued to enforce a curfew on Monday, as all areas of public gatherings remained closed in the capital.

Iraq has confirmed 961 cases infected with COVID-19, and 61 deaths.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.