The Kurdistan Region has extended the previously declared national holiday as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 to April 16, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government's spokesperson, Jutyar Adil.

The previously declared holiday would have expired on Sunday.

"Within the framework of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the Kurdistan Region, it was decided to extend the holiday in all ministries, boards, offices, and public and private universities, institutes, and schools," reads the statement.

It added that security forces and health workers - who are in the frontlines of the efforts to curb the virus - are excluded.

The health ministry and other service ministries will continue their work.

The statement did not mention an extention of the lockdown.

Rudaw