ERBIL - The total number of coronavirus infections in Iraq has now passed 1,000 after 70 new cases were recorded on Monday.

Iraq's Ministry of Health said in a statement that four people in the capital Baghdad tested positive for COVID-19, nine others in Basra, and four more in Najaf provinces.

At least two other people were found infected with the novel virus in Karbala and seven others in Dhi Qar provinces.

Moreover, three cases were registered in Kurdistan Region's Sulaimaniya province while 41 others were in the capital Erbil.

The total number of people diagnosed with the coronavirus across Iraq has reached 1,031. At least 61 patients lost their lives and 344 recovered.