A 31-year-old Iraqi florist is updating regular flower arrangements by filling much-needed items in a basket full of roses.
Baghdad-based florist Ibtihaj Mohammed was inspired by the idea when her mother asked to buy some disinfectants and sanitizers. Instead of simply delivering the supplies in a plastic bag, she got creative. When she posted a picture of the gift basket on her Facebook page, customers expressed their admiration.
“Due to the spread of coronavirus, my mother one day asked me to bring her some household disinfectants from the pharmacy. So, I thought to make it a gift to her along with putting some flowers in the basket. After I was done, I liked the idea, so I put it on my (Facebook) page. So many people liked the idea and the demand for it increased.”
Ibtihaj Mohammed, Florist
Now, she is preparing the same gift baskets for her customers. The basket is filled with sanitizers, disinfectants, gloves and face masks, and flowers. A creative product that is in alignment with people’s needs as the spread of the coronavirus grips the country and the world.
“Due to the spread of coronavirus, my mother one day asked me to bring her some household disinfectants from the pharmacy. So, I thought to make it a gift to her along with putting some flowers in the basket. After I was done, I liked the idea, so I put it on my (Facebook) page. So many people liked the idea and the demand for it increased,” says the Iraqi florist.
The number of confirmed cases in Iraq of the new coronavirus has risen to 266 (24 March). The country has restricted movement between provinces from March 15 to 25, except for emergencies, trade and employees commuting to work, to limit the number of infections. Additionally, the government has banned visitors from 13 countries, including Germany and Qatar. Iraqi authorities called on Iraqis arriving from Iran, China, South Korea, Italy, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Kuwait and Bahrain to stay at home for self-quarantine for 14 days.
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