The number of confirmed coronavirus cases is increasing again in Iraq as the omicron variant spreads and vaccination rates remain low, but the new strain’s milder symptoms are relieving pressure on the healthcare system and oil industry operations, as fewer cases require hospitalization, doctors, and oil sector officials say. The omicron variant first emerged in Iraq in early January, and there has subsequently been a sharp rise in case numbers, in the country’s fourth wave of infections since the pandemic began nearly two years ago. Iraq recorded 7,693 new coronavirus cases on Jan. 25, a rise from 156 on Dec. 25, […]