Street markets in the Iraqi capital Baghdad were quieter than usual on Saturday ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, as COVID-19 continues to rage through the country.
For years, Iraqi families have flocked to Shorja market - famed for its sweets, spices and tea - to stock up on groceries and decorations in preparation for a monthlong period of fasting from dawn to dusk.
"People used to come to shop but now it's only 50%, because people are afraid of social gatherings in the market," said Mouhammed Ali, a vendor at the market.
A time usually marked by communal worship and late-night meals with family and friends, many will be doing Ramadan differently this year.
"The coronavirus pandemic has forced us to stop visiting each other during Ramadan and deprived us of our Iraqi traditions and customs," said Abu Sayef, a shopper at the market. "This situation is painful."
Sheikh Yilmaz Yusuf, a preacher at Baghdad's Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Gilani mosque, said the season's special taraweeh prayers at mosques won't be going ahead.
Iraq's health ministry warned of “dire consequences” ahead after recording 8,331 new virus cases within a 24-hour period on Wednesday.
This was the highest figure since the ministry began keeping records at the onset of the pandemic last year.
Associated Press
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