Iraq has ordered schools to teach pupils online, cancelled Friday prayers and suspended trade with major partner Iran, after confirming its first three deaths from the new coronavirus.

Authorities stepped up attempts to contain COVID-19 on Thursday. With students scheduled to return to school on Sunday, the education ministry asked secondary teachers to distribute course materials and offer tuition online.

Border officials meanwhile closed crossings with Iran, where officials say the COVID-19 epidemic has so far killed 107 people. Iraq has suspended trade for at least a week with its neighbour, a leading trade partner whose $9 billion (eight billion euros) in annual exports to Iraq range from fresh produce to vehicles.

Despite the two countries' close commercial, political and religious links, Iraq has barred entry for foreigners travelling from Iran since last month.

Authorities have also banned travel to Iran and eight other affected countries including China, Italy, Kuwait and Bahrain. Each year, millions of Iraqis travel to Iran for tourism, business, study or medical treatment. Schools, universities, cinemas and other public spaces have been closed for the past week, though restaurants, malls and cafes remain open.

Iraq is particularly worried about coronavirus outbreaks in its Shia holy sites, which attract millions of pilgrims, many from Iran.