PM-designate pledges to protect Iraqis from virus

In his first televised speech to the Iraqi people, new prime minister-designate Mustafa al-Kadhimi pledged to protect Iraqis from the coronavirus pandemic and said his government will serve the people.

"A government that serves the people, with deeds and not with words. Everyone, without exception, is responsible of supporting this government," he said.

Iraq's president appointed al-Kadhimi, 53, as prime minister-designate shortly after former prime minister-desginate Adnan al-Zurfi's resigned.

Kadhimi is the third prime minister-designate in just over a month.

According to Iraq's constitution, he has 30 days to present a cabinet lineup to parliament for a vote.

Al-Kadhimi must contend with the unenviable task of forming a government that satisfies parties across Iraq's fragmented political scene, a task neither of his predecessors were able to fulfill.

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

But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by those with mild or no visible symptoms.

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