nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
[ 9 APR 2021, Overall Syria ]  An unprecedented 12.4 million people in Syria – some 60 percent the population – are food insecure. After a decade of conflict, 2020 was one of the country's most turbulent years ever: a global pandemic, ongoing insecurity and violence, the collapse of the Syrian pound and food prices soaring by over 220 percent have collided to form a catastrophic outlook. With people typically queuing for hours to buy fuel, bread, and other necessities they can barely afford, COVID 19 is a constant source of anxiety that only adds to concerns about where families might get their next meal from.
To help prevent the spread of COVID 19, the White Helmets, a Syrian based volunteer organization, is being awarded CAD $1.6 million  ( ~1.3 million USD )  from the Humanitarian Grand Challenge to establish personal protective equipment  ( PPE )  manufacturing for healthcare workers and citizens in northwest Syria. They will be the first organization to manufacture PPE for the COVID 19 response in Syria.
[ 1 28 Feb, 2021, Overall Syria ]  The COVAX facility has been approved, and the government has confirmed that refugees and camp based IDP populations will be included among the priority categories when the vaccination campaign is rolled out.
[ 7 14 Dec 2020, NWS ]  In December, the informal USD/SYP regional median exchange rate increased by 13% since November and reached a regional median of 2,694 USD/SYP. The six month change, a 3% increase since the record drop in value of the SYP in June 2020, highlights that while the value of the SYP has slightly stabilized in the months since, it remains unstable against the USD. The highest exchange rate was recorded at 2,750 SYP to 1 USD in Azmarin community in Idleb governorate.
[ 22 January, Syria ]  Health Ministry announced that 81 new coronavirus cases were registered in the country, and that 76 patients infected with the virus have recovered while 7 others have passed away.
[ 22 January, Syria ]  In a statement on Friday evening, the Ministry said that the total number of Coronavirus cases in the country climbed to 13479 of which 6918 cases recovered and 873 passed away.
[ 20 January, Syria ]  Health Ministry on Wednesday announced that 89 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Syria, 77 coronavirus patients recovered and 8 others passed away.
( data collected online in December from 213 protection partners and staff )  The vast majority of the survey respondents reported that they still implement protection activities  ( 97% ) , but most of them have had to adapt their approaches to include fewer physical meetings with the population and more reliance on digital tools and social media. Restriction on face to face meetings / public gatherings were reported as the common measure applied in different areas where partners intervene  ( 73% of respondent ) . While 43% of respondent report closure of community centers as one of common measures applied. The restrictions in place have heavily affected community centers/static facilities,which is one of the main approach to delivering protection services and assistance in Syria, by reducing the number of activities and persons accessing the center at the same time, as well as changing to outreach approaches. Geographical analysis shows that all areas are impacted similarly. Most of the protection activities have continued while taking precautionary measures to prevent COVID 19  ( wearing masks, sterilization, spatial separation, lower number of participants ) .
[ 18 January, Syria ]  The Health Ministry on Monday announced that 96 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Syria, adding that 76 coronavirus patients recovered and 9 others passed away.
[ 18 January, Syria ]  In a statement, the Ministry noted that the total number of the coronavirus cases registered in Syria have reached up to 13,132 of which 6,624 have recovered and 841 have passed away.
[ 7 14 Dec 2020, NES ]  In December, the value of the regional SMEB reached 254,111 SYP, a 15% increase compared to November and a 27% increase since June 2020, setting the highest recorded price in the Market Monitoring Exercise in NES. The SMEB in United States Dollars  ( USD )  increased from 89 to 92 USD in December, corresponding with the depreciation of the SYP against the USD
[ 19 January, Syria ]  In a statement, the Ministry noted that the total number of the coronavirus cases registered in Syria have reached up to 13,224 of which 6,696 have recovered and 850 have passed away.
[ 7 14 Dec 2020, NES ]  In December, the informal USD/SYP regional median exchange rate increased by 10%, reaching a regional median of 2,728 USD/SYP. The highest exchange rate was recorded at 2,800 SYP for 1 USD in both Sur and Sawa communities in Deir ez Zor governorate.
( data collected online in December from 213 protection partners and staff )  71% of the respondents report facing significant challenges regarding the low implementation rate for planned activities as a result of the COVID 19 situation and have had to suspend/minimize their activities for a specific period, while 42% report that there is a lack of access to the beneficiaries, 35% report that they are facing funding concerns and 20% say that the productivity of the staff has been reduced in addition to a lack of interest to work due to staff health concerns. All of the respondents report that the closure and/or suspension of activities in community centers reduced the number of beneficiaries –in some cases as much as with 70%, on average between 30 –50%
Inside Syria, there are over 2.4 million children  out  of  school,  nearly  40  per  cent  are girls.  This  number  has  likely  increased  in  2020  due  to  the  impact  of  the  COVID 19 pandemic  which  exacerbated  the  disruption  to  education  in  Syria.
[ 7 14 Dec 2020, NES ]  Regional median prices for all manually refined fuels increased significantly in NES in December. The price of manually refined kerosene, primarily used for cooking and heating, increased by 45% since November, likely due to the depreciation of the SYP against the USD as well as to issues of availability. Prices for manually refined transport fuels also increased between November and December, with manually refined petrol increasing by 21% and manually refined diesel increasing by 73%
( data collected online in December from 213 protection partners and staff )  The pandemic has disproportionately impacted the most vulnerable groups  ( elderly, people with disabilities, women and girls ) . Because of the high risk of the effects of COVID 19 among these vulnerable groups, group activities targeting them that existed before the pandemic targeting were the first ones to be put on hold by the partners. While everyone has been affected by the public prevention measures applied, respondents report that medical personnel  ( 30% ) , female headed household  ( 29% ) , people with disabilities  ( 23% )  and IDPs  ( 21% )  are the most affected social groups.
Children  who  are  able  to  attend  school  often  learn  in overcrowded classrooms, and in buildings with insufficient water and sanitation facilities, electricity, heating or ventilation.
( data collected online in December from 213 protection partners and staff )  ensure all protection activity strategies include community engagement from the start, to ensure the specific needs are identified and solutions are built on the resources and skills existing in the affected communities, that they are relevant, appropriate, inclusive and sustainable. This is particularly important during the COVID 19 situation, when aid workers cannot reach the affected population to the extent that they usually are able to. 71% of the respondents reported having adopted flexible work arrangements  ( 73% using whatsapp groups, 69% reduced staff, 64% use of social media platforms like facebook, youtube and whatsapp, 58% teleworking, 56% hotline )
[ 7 14 Dec 2020, NES ]  While median prices for many COVID 19 related items, such as facemasks and sterile alcohol which are more frequently locally produced, remained stable in December, the median price of hand sanitizer increased by 13%, primarily due to the fact that it is generally imported and therefore more dependent on the SYP value and transport costs.
( data collected online in December from 213 protection partners and staff )  Some partners report concerns that due to COVID 19 online modalities were adopted but in rural areas there is limited internet coverage and/or people do not have smart phones. For GBV activities, women were not comfortable to share their concerns over the phone. A lack of interest in the online modality and confidentially concerns were also noticed.
[ February 2021, Al Hasakeh, NES ]  Water Tanker truck  ( NGO )  was the primary source of water in the assessed settlements at the time of data collection.
[ February 2021, Al Hasakeh, NES ]  In 0% of assessed settlements, KIs reported that no communal latrines were available in the settlement. In 8% of assessed settlements, KIs reported that some households were practicing open defecation within or outside their settlement as an alternative to latrines. And the settlements where latrines were available, 97% were communal while 3% were household latrines.
[ April 2020, Syria ]  Specific services  ( such as outpatient consultations, mobile medical units or medical teams, trainings, mental health consultations )  are more impacted by the COVID 19 preventive measures. Critical services  ( Essential Primary Health Care Services, Ante Natal Care  ( ANC )  )  continue for now, with application of alternative work modalities.
( data collected online in December from 213 protection partners and staff )  76% of respondents report that psychological trauma, stress and anxiety is one of the main protection issues affecting people due to COVID 19 situation. 56% report that also the gender based violence against women and girls has increased. Additionally, 45% report that there is a lack of access to health care and services. Other issues that were mentioned include: limitation of movement  ( 40% ) , separation/isolation from family and household members  ( 36% ) , increased negative coping mechanisms ( 30% )  and forced labor or economic exploitation  ( 23% ) . 35% of the respondents report that the severity of the risk of social exclusion and stigmatization is high, 33% for the risk of psychological distress, followed by restriction of movements and its resulted limited access to services and assistance
( data collected online in December from 213 protection partners and staff ) 76.5% of the respondents report that inability or difficulty to buy basic necessities  ( food, health, hygiene items,etc. )  is one of the basic impacts of the current situation on the served people. Additionally, 70% report inability or difficulty to pay rent, 62% report loss of employment or livelihoods, 42% report inability or difficulty to pay utilities  ( water, electricity, etc. ) ,while 41% report a lack of access to health care including health facilities, and 36% report a lack of access to humanitarian assistance/services.
( data collected online in December from 213 protection partners and staff )  Main protection issues affecting women and girls as a result of COVID 19 situation: psychological trauma, stress and anxiety  ( 59% ) , violence or abuse within households  ( 52% ) , violence, harassment or abuse in the community  ( 48% ) , lack of access to sexual and reproductive health services  ( 38% )
( data collected online in December from 213 protection partners and staff )  Main protection issues affecting children as a result of COVID 19: lack of access to education  ( 69% ) , psychological trauma, stress and anxiety  ( 63.5% ) , violence, abuse or neglect within household  ( 51% ) , child marriage  ( 50.5% ) , stigmatization, marginalization and discrimination  ( 39% )
[ 7 14 Dec 2020, NES ]  However, the proportion of vendors reporting that supply was unable to keep up with consumer demand increased since November, with 25% of surveyed vendors reporting this issue in December compared to 14% in November. Further, 14% of all surveyed vendors reported that their suppliers had limited stocks, and 8% that their supply had been affected by border closures. Compared to other governorates, surveyed vendors in Deir ez Zor more commonly reported that border closures impacted supply, with 22% citing this issue.
[ 7 14 Dec 2020, NES ]  The percentage of surveyed vendors that reported facing one or more supply challenge in December only slightly increased from the percentage reporting the same in the November Market Monitoring Exercise  ( 86% and 84%, respectively ) . The primary supply challenge cited remained price inflation, reported by 79% of surveyed vendors across NES.
( data collected online in December from 213 protection partners and staff )  Main protection issues affecting older persons as a result of COVID 19 situation: lack of access to healthcare  ( 67% ) , psychological trauma, stress and anxiety  ( 60% ) , lack of access to services  ( 58% ) , lack of access to information  ( 46% ) , stigmatisation, marginalisation and discrimination  ( 35% )
[ 7 14 Dec 2020, NES ]  NES reported having closed their shops. This was most commonly reported in Hajin community of Deir ez Zor governorate  ( 25 of 30 surveyed vendors reporting having closed ) , where only bakeries and pharmacies reported remaining open. According to REACH field teams, closures in Hajin were due to a locally mandated COVID 19 curfew in the community that was ongoing at the time of data collection
( data collected online in December from 213 protection partners and staff )  Main protection issues affecting persons with disabilities as a result of COVID 19 situation : lack of access to services  ( 69% ) , lack of access to healthcare  ( 68% ) , psychological trauma, stress and anxiety  ( 57% ) , stigmatisation, marginalisation and discrimination  ( 50% ) , violence, abuse or neglect within families  ( 39% ) , lack of access to information  ( 37% )
[ 6th Jan, 2021, NE&NW, GOS ]  The positive cases were distributed over the three main areas of control, with 11,799 in government territory, 8,113 cases in the northeast, and 20,457 in Idlib and parts of Aleppo western countryside. They included 18,965 active cases, 20,046 recoveries, and 1,358 fatalities.
[ 2 July 2021, NES ]  Syrian Observatory for Human Rights  ( SOHR )  activists have reported an increase in the water storage rate at Euphrates Dam which helps to improve electricity supply provided to al Hassaka city. Electricity has been connected for two hours this morning, after being cut off in the city for about a week. Well informed sources say that electricity working hours are up to four hours per day, along with operating the power turbines and the increase of the power supply provided by the power station in al Tabqa city.
[ 20 January, North Syria ]  The Ministry of Health announced nine deaths and 96 new cases, stating that the number of cases in the areas it controls had risen to 13,132, in addition to 841 deaths.
( 3rd Jan 14th Jan 2021, NES )  Prices of fuels have increased by 4%, that was notable in the prices of manually refined diesel and petrol  ( local refined )  due to high demand. While government petrol "high quality petrol" prices have remained the same as it is pegged to USD  ( $0.62 per liter ) . Moreover, High quality diesel prices has remained unchanged; as it is controlled and regulated by the self administration. But it is worth noting that locally refined Fuel, with diesel in particular, are less available in the market due to a large increase in demand during this period  ( Winter season ) . 27% of vendors reported that shortage of fuel sources and 32% of vendors citied dollar exchange rates as the main challenges, 14% mentioned transportation costs and issues with supply.
[ 20th Jan 2021, SDF ]  Al Hasakeh governorate and it's subdistricts had insufficient provision of space in health facilities to monitor suspected COVID 19 cases.
Black market prices for heating fuel are up to ten times the subsidized rate.
[  January 17, GoS ]  The director of the General Authority of Al Bassel Hospital in Tartous, Dr. Iskandar Ammar, said during a call with Sham FM: “We noticed a decrease in the number of people infected with Coronavirus in the governorate by following up the number of cases that the hospital is reviewing, as well as in the rest of the governorate's hospitals, which means that the infection curve has begun to decline.'
[  January 13, GoS ]  A member of the advisory team to confront Virus Corona and Dr. Nabouh Al Awa to Sham FM explained: "The Syrian government has not announced which party will bring the vaccine, and I do not have any information on this matter and it is very unlikely that we will import the American vaccine because of the American blockade on Syria." He concluded: "With regard to vaccine prices, the Chinese and Russian vaccines could be less expensive than the US, and I have no information on this subject, but they should not be at high prices."
[ January 15, GoS ]  The Regional Director of Information at the United Nations Children's Fund, "UNICEF" Juliette Touma, announced that the date for the distribution of the vaccine against "Corona" virus in Syria has not been decided until this moment. Touma added that: "UNICEF" is working with the World Health Organization, in cooperation with the "Kovacs" platform and the World Bank, to provide vaccines to countries that cannot provide them to their inhabitants, including Syria.
[ January 14, GoS ]  The Director of Damascus Health   Dr. Samer Shahrour explained on the sidelines of the Damascus Governorate Council meetings that the rate of new infections with the new Corona virus in the city of Damascus ranges between 90   100 cases, and the majority of them are mild symptoms, and the deaths are less than the international limits, which are good rates,
[ January 07 ,Lattakia ] The Director of Education, Imran Abu Khalil, confirmed that the first day of the exam took place in accordance with the ministerial health protocol to confront the Corona virus, from temperature measurement, physical distancing, cleaning and sterilization before the exam, which will take place after each subject, noting that the student turnout was good and distinguished, and no case with symptoms of Corona was received, pointing The governorate schools are fully prepared for the first semester exams, indicating that 268,000 male and female students have taken the exam from the first grade of primary to the third secondary school.
[ December 31, Homs ]  The head of the school health department in Homs, Dr. Ghayath Abbas pointed out that most of the injuries among teachers and students ranged from medium to light and did not require hospitalization, but only home quarantine, affirming that more than 300 cases were completely cured and resumed in normal school hours, indicating that the rest of the cases are still in home quarantine and their health conditions are good and stable and most of them are She started to recover and will return to school after vacation.
[ Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  20,716 newly displaced IDPs this month.
[ Jan 2021, NES ]  WASH gaps raised in Al Hol camp annexes including maintenance of water tanks and latrine units and other units need to be constructed.
[ 20th Jan 2021, SDF ]  Ar raqqa and Deir ez Zor has a little to no communities implementing COVID 19 mitigation measures such as awareness campaigns, closure of public spaces, lockdown, isolation, temperature check etc.
[ Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  TOP GOVERNORATES ARRIVED FROM: Idleb 55%, Aleppo 19% and Al  Hasakeh 7%.
[ April 2020, Syria ]  Many of the organizations  ( 44% )  report their activities impacted by the preventive measures related to COVID 19. 26.5% organizations suspended group activities, 14.7 % continued with only specialized services for vulnerable and high risk cases, and only 2.9% organizations suspended all assistance and services.
[ January 6, Al Hasakeh ]  Eng. Mahmoud Al Akla, Director of the Water Corporation in Al Hasakah, confirmed that 4 new wells had been placed in the Alouk area in the countryside of Ras al Ain occupied by the Turkish regime and its mercenaries, thus bringing the number of wells operating to 18 wells producing 200 thousand barrels per day, indicating that the new wells produce 300 thousand barrels Today, its combined abundance is about 80 thousand cubic meters per day, which is sufficient for the city of Hasakah and its population centers, pointing out that the necessary maintenance has been carried out for the wells and the delivery of electricity.
[ January 11, tartous ]  The Director of Tartous Health, Ahmed Ammar, explained that the number of swabs that have been taken in the governorate so far for suspected cases of corona has reached 1735, with the results of which showed that 933 of them were positive and 802 negative, indicating that the number of those who recovered from the infection reached 455, and the currently active injuries are 333 and deaths 145. This number of deaths constitutes 7.6 percent of the number of deaths nationwide.
[ January 11, tartous ]  The Director of Tartous Health, Ahmed Ammar, said during the meeting of the Central Emergency Committee that the number of those who were confirmed with corona in the educational sector reached 81 teachers and 16 male and female students through 97 swabs that were taken, adding that Tartous and its surroundings witnessed the highest injuries as the number of injured in it, according to the results of the swabs, reached 429. Injury, while the number was in Safita 129, in Banias 91, in Sheikh Badr 58, in Al Mushatta 55, in Ad Draikish 61 and in Qadmous 24
[ 7 14 Dec 2020, NES ]  However, service from Allouk was suspended again in early December due to electricity failures related to pumping and subsequent maintenance work. Additionally, the cost of the SMEB hygiene component increased by 8% in December, reaching a median of 19,962 SYP. Specifically, the costs of dish soap and laundry soap saw the largest increases, by 16% and 8%, respectively.
[ 22 January, Syria ]  The agreement will benefit the country financially by providing the vaccine at a price lower than the international one and offering discounts, in addition to providing the foreign currency needed to import the vaccines.
[ 15th March 2021, GoS ]  The Health Ministry announced on Monday that 87 new coronavirus cases were recorded, adding that 88 coronavirus patients recovered, and five others passed away.In a statement, the Ministry said that the total number of the coronavirus cases recorded in Syria has reached up to 16,556 till now, of which 11,058 have recovered, and 1,104 have passed away.
[ Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  The situation continues to deteriorate drastically with an estimated 14.2 million people in need of some form of food and agriculture assistance, compared to 9.8 million in the previous year. The food insecurity PiN has risen by 45 per cent in the last year.
[ Nov 2020, Syria ]  As of November 2020, the WFP estimated 9.3 million Syrians are food insecure with 2.2 million at risk for food insecurity. These figures have increased dramatically from 7.9 million and 1.9 million respectively in 2019, primarily due to high food and fuel prices as well as stagnant salaries and loss of livelihoods as a result of the weak economy and COVID 19 related challenges.
[  GoS, 03 Dec ]  US Special Envoy for Syria Joel Rayburn said in a press conference attended by Enab Baladi on 3 December that the US will continue with its sanctions program and that additional sanctions are planned to be issued in the coming weeks. Rayburn added, “We are constantly working on developing our sanctions, and we will not provide any assistance to the Syrian government with its reconstruction plans,' denying preventing access of humanitarian aid to Syria and stressing that the US administration has clear exceptions.
[  Jan 2021, Syria ]  Overall, localized insecurity and post conflict economic issues aggravated by the COVID 19 pandemic remain significant drivers of production potential in Syria and are likely to impact the 2020/2021 agricultural season substantially.
[ GoS, Jan ]  The knock on effects of COVID 19 might exacerbate the centrifugal forces of Syria's political economy. Border crossings between lines of control areas have regularly been shut down, slowing trade and movement between areas which has significantly affected economic activity, especially in areas under government control.
[  GoS, Jan 13 ]  The CBS underwent previous sanctions such as depriving it of currency printing, stopping credit and financial transactions, and freezing assets. According to Quman, this contributed to shutting the CBS of the international financing window and the global financial system and forced it to seek solutions and other ways to evade sanctions. Besides, Russia, Iran, and China have helped the CBS to overcome the sanctions.
[  Syria, Jan ]  Public space closure and avoidance adversely affected commercial businesses in Syria. This was particularly felt by daily laborers and those working in the informal economy, who account for a major portion of Syria's labor force. According to the UN, unemployment in Syria has risen to 50 percent from the already high estimate of 42 percent in 2019.
[ Gos, Jan ]  Budgetary constraints have led the Syrian government to scale back numerous social projects, including amounts of subsidized bread and other food items attached to the government's e card system, as well as rations for the armed forces. Such cutbacks have led to backlash from the public, many of whom are dependent on government subsidy programs for their basic food items.
[ Syria, Jan ]  According to the WFP, the combination of the Lebanese financial crisis and the effects of COVID 19 increased the number of food insecure people from 7.9 to 9.3 million  ( 46 percent of population ) . While supply shortages and price increases were an ongoing trend in Syria, COVID 19 fueled further devaluations of the Syrian pound and scarcity of goods.
[ March 29, GoS ]  Deputy Head of the Executive Office in Damascus Governorate, Dr. Ahmed Nabulsi indicated that supplying microbuses / trucks / with the quantities of diesel allocated to them will be stopped every Friday until further notice, and that the buses of the public services company for Internal Transportation
[ November 2020, Al Hasakeh NES ]  Top three reported livelihoods related coping strategies over the last 30 days prior to assessment by % of assessed settlements: Borrowing money 85% , Reduce spending on NFIs 43% and Support from friends/family 36%.
{Syria, Jan ]  States with depleted reserves of foreign currency such as Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon, face further challenges obtaining foreign bailouts, driving deeper exchange rate depreciation and high levels of inflation. This has eroded purchasing power within such states, which are highly dependent on the import of basic commodities such as food, fuel, and medical supplies. High levels of inflation and economic decline are in turn eroding the role of formal financial sectors in favor of informal ones, increasing obstacles and black market activity, which in turn creates market inefficiencies, a lack of oversight on financial flows, and insecurity more broadly.
[ 19 January, 2021, Syria ]  The General Director of al Mouwasat Hospital, Dr. Essam al Amin, expected the arrival of the first shipments of the coronavirus vaccines next month. Amin did not have knowledge of the type of vaccine that will be used, indicating that the matter is in the hands of COVAX, which will determine the name of the vaccine and the number of doses that will be provided to Syria.
[ 13 January 2021, Syria ]  Dollar adjusted wages sharply dropped at the beginning of the crisis and have been steadily decreasing over time across all zones of control. This signals it will take a considerable amount of time for solely wage increases to regain the purchasing power lost during the rapid depreciation period.
[ Gos, Jan ]  In July 2020, the Syrian government announced that the price of subsidized sugar would rise from 350 to 500 SYP per kilogram, and rice would increase from 400 to 600 SYP per kilogram. In a bid to soften the economic hardships caused by COVID 19 preventative measures, the Syrian government began to distribute a one time payment of 100,000 SYP for 20,000 daily and seasonal workers who lost their jobs. As inflation continues to increase, and the pound devalues, the payment may temporarily alleviate some immediate issues of providing food and medicine to the most vulnerable. However, the payments do not offer a long term solution to those who may find themselves struggling to find a means of income.
[ GoS, Jan 25 ]  In April, the progovernment newspaper Al Watan estimated that lower oil prices would decrease import costs by about 20 percent. US and EU sanctions have stymied licit oil sales to the Syrian government, prompting authorities in Damascus to turn to the illicit petroleum trade with Iran and networks extending across Self Administration lines of control. Oil is purchased from the Self  Administration at below market rates, while the payment mechanism for imports from Iran remains shrouded in mystery, though it is reportedly on convenient terms for the Syrian government.
[ November 2020, Al Hasakeh NES ]  Proportion of assessed settlements with KIs reporting on whether residents experienced barriers when leaving the assessed settlement in the two weeks prior to data collection: Of assessed settlements where barriers reported, most commonly reported barriers:• Transportation too expensive  ( 21% )  • COVID 19 movement restrictions  ( 9% )  • Insufficient transportation  ( 4% )
[ November 2020, Al Hasakeh NES ]  In 53% of assessed settlements, KIs reported that families in their settlement have been impacted by the closures of schools due to COVID 19, most commonly reporting  ( KIs could select multiple answer options ) : • Decrease in children's interest in learning  ( 49% )  • Decrease in children's ability to learn  ( 34% )  • No alternative learning available  ( at home or remotely )   ( 23% )
[ March 29, GoS ]  Deputy Head of the Executive Office in Damascus Governorate, Dr. Ahmed Nabulsi, stated that the quantities of gasoline were reduced to / 20 / liters every seven days for private tourist cars and / 20 / liters every four days for public cars / taxis / and / 20 / liters for cars that are working externally to Lebanon and Jordan every 4 / days.
[ Jan 2021, NWS, NES ]  The shelter situation has continued to deteriorate given the unavailability of adequate and affordable shelter, the limited response for longer term solutions, the new challenges for communal shelters with COVID 19 and the displacement trends in NES and NWS. An estimated 31 per cent of the overall population continue to live in inadequate shelter conditions, with returnees and IDPs being the worst affected.
[ Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  The Shelter PiN increased to 5.88 million in 2021 which is a 4 per cent increase in PiN from 2020  ( 5.7 million ) .
[  December 16, Dar'a ]  The Detainees and Kidnapped Division of the Martyrs Documentation Office in Daraa documented raids from Military Security and the Air Force Intelligence branch on homes of a doctor and nurses all of whom worked in diagnosing and following up on patients who were infected and suspected of being infected with the virus, and that was over the course of three different days. The documentation office knew that the families of two detainees that the regime forces accused them of “diagnosing patients' injuries without returning to the Ministry of Health,' and forbidden contact with them until the report was prepared.
[ Dec 2020, NWS ]  In NWS, challenges might include operational cost for distribution and service delivery, misinformation / vaccine hesitancy and refusal of vaccination in addition to the available local capacity to conduct vaccination.
[ Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  M o m, the national average retail price of wheat flour throughout Syria increased in January 2021 by five percent reaching SYP 1,317/kg. The wheat flour price has also increased by 232 percent y o y. As Sweida recorded the highest wheat flour price at SYP 1,600/kg  ( up two percent m o m ) , while Ar Raqqa recorded the lowest price of SYP 1,017/kg  ( unchanged m o m ) .
[ 13 January 2021, Syria ]  Consequently, domestic demand for locally produced goods increases in comparison to foreign imports, as does the incentive to export domestic goods due to competitive selling prices in foreign markets.
[ 20th Jan 2021, SDF ]  Services such as testing provision for COVID 19, Quarantine space for diagnosed COVID 19 cases, Isolation space in health centres for suspected COVID 19 cases and Provision of space in health facilities to monitor suspected COVID 19 cases were not available in Ar raqqa and Deir ez Zor.
[ Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  The phase II COVID 19 vaccine roll out will take place in Q3 and Q4  ( July – December 2021 ) , targeting an additional 17 per cent of the population, including elders and persons with chronic diseases. The estimated required funding for phase II are US$24.3 million for areas under the control of Government of Syria and North east Syria, and US$7.5 million for North west Syria.
[ 13 January 2021, Syria ]  Two doctors HAT interviewed increased the price of examinations and procedures to cover the losses incurred by currency depreciation; however, the price increases did not adequately cover the higher cost of essential medical and cleaning supplies, which they reported were already more expensive due to COVID 19.
[ 20th Jan 2021, SDF ]  % of SDs with insufficient COVID 19 medical services: Testing provision for COVID 19 98% Lack this service,  Quarantine space for diagnosed COVID 19 cases 98% Lack this service,  Isolation space in health centres for suspected COVID 19 cases 98% Lack this service and  Provision of space in health facilities to monitor suspected COVID 19 cases 98% Lack this service.
[ 13 January 2021, Syria ]  Business owners reported that the price of imported goods  ( eg, electronics, rice, and sugar )  and products relying on imported inputs  ( eg, chicken )  increased the most during the rapid depreciation period  ( Oct 2019–Oct 2020 ) . . Business owners reported that during this period, demand fell by about 40%. In response to lower demand, businesses also noted accepting payment in installments, goods for barter  ( e.g produce; tea ) , or payment in foreign currencies  ( Turkish lira and/or US dollars ) .
[ 13 January 2021, As Sweida, Al Hasakeh and Dar'a governorate ]  As Sweida and Dar'a governorates have consistently reported the lowest proportion of households with inadequate food consumption since the beginning of the crisis. Further, Al Hasakeh governorate has been ranked among the lowest in terms of the proportion of households with inadequate food needs in recent months, showing unexpected resilience to economic shocks.
[ April 2020, Syria ]  72.4% of organizations report funding concerns related to the preventive measures. In addition to the major funding concerns reported, 31% of the organizations report lack of interest to work due to staff health concerns.
[  NES, DEC Jan ]  During December and the beginning of January there have been multiple movements of individuals reported. This includes: • Displacement from Ein Issa town and surrounding villages. Around 600   900 HHs have reportedly been displaced to villages and towns south of Ein Issa as far as Raqqa City. However multiple sources have reported that only 10 HHs have moved into an informal settlement with the majority being hosted by communities.
[ NES, Dec ]  Movement of IDPs from collective centres in Hasakeh City to Serekaniye camp is ongoing with the total population of Serekaniye camp now at 8,513 individuals  ( 1,680 HHs ) . • Displacement to Deir ez Zor is ongoing with OCHA indicating continued movement including arrivals to the governorate, departures from the governorate and displacement within the governorate. IDP population figures of individuals in informal settlements and collective centres in the SSWG sites list indicates that, as with previous months, the largest number of individuals are in Ar Raqqa sub district.
[ 25 February 2021, NES and NWS Syria ]  These problems are visible in many parts of the country but the situation is particularly bad in the north west and the north east, where nutrition surveillance data show that up to one in three children in some areas suffer from stunting.
[ 20th Jan 2021, GOS ]  Services such as testing provision for COVID 19, Quarantine space for diagnosed COVID 19 cases, Isolation space in health centres for suspected COVID 19 cases and Provision of space in health facilities to monitor suspected COVID 19 cases were insufficient or not available in Aleppo, As Swieda, Daraa, Damascus, Hama, Idleb, Ar raqqa, Tartous, Lattakia, Deir ez Zor, Quneitra, Rural damascus
[ 20th Jan 2021, GOS ]  % of SDs with insufficient COVID 19 medical services: Testing provision for COVID 19 98% Lack this service,  Quarantine space for diagnosed COVID 19 cases 94% Lack this service,  Isolation space in health centres for suspected COVID 19 cases 90% Lack this service and  Provision of space in health facilities to monitor suspected COVID 19 cases 90% Lack this service.
[ 24th March, 2021, GoS ]  The value of the new bonus at the official exchange rate of SYP 1,250 to the dollar is between USD 32 and USD 40. On the black market, however, it is worth only about USD 10 to USD 12.5, as the Syrian pound continues to trade near record lows in the region of SYP 4,000 per dollar.
[ December 2020, Syria ]  6.7 million people internally displaced, 9.3 million people food insecure, 2.2 million people at risk of food insecurity.
[ Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  The national average retail price of Egyptian white rice increased by six percent since December 2020 and by 217 percent since January 2021, reaching SYP 1,878/kg in January 2021. Ar Raqqa reported the highest price at SYP 2,314/kg  ( up 21 percent m  o m ) , while Deir ez Zor reported the lowest price at SYP 1,642/kg  ( up four percent m o m ) .
[ NES, 22 Dec ]  All education centers, child friendly services and training / capacity building initiatives were halted on 22 Dec due to multiple COVID 19 cases. • The isolation area was provided with 60 RTEs kits as well as 10 electric heaters. • Medical waste management and hazardous waste management for the isolation area is being conducted by the health actor. The isolation area waste is being transported to the Tabqa hospital.
[  NES, 21 Dec ]  An IDP departure trip occurred on 21 December, consisting of 20 HH  ( 65 individuals ) . The returnees went to Al Hassakeh. • Another IDP return trip took place on 30 December consisting of 104 HHs  ( 361 individuals ) . The returnees went towards Raqqa and Tabqa districts. Delegation members from Tabqa Civil Council and Raqqa Civil Council were present in the camp during the departures to monitor the situation. Reportedly CA still confiscates the belongings of returnees that are suspected to be for trading purposes.
[ 15 July 2021, GoS ]  The Health Ministry announced that 8 new coronavirus cases were recorded, adding that 5 coronavirus patients recovered and one other passed away.
[ Dec 2020, Overall Syria ]  As a result of food prices increment, households countrywide increasingly rely on negative coping strategies such as borrowing money, purchasing smaller quantities of food, and skipping meals to meet essential food needs. During December, approximately 50 percent of surveyed households countrywide reduced the number of meals eaten per day and more than 40 percent of households restricted the food consumption of adults to prioritize their children's needs, WFP reports.
[ January 19, NES ] Based on the crisis cell meeting at the Executive Council of North and East Syria Based on the requirements of the public interest Co presidency of the Executive Council of North and East Syria It was decided that: 1  The partial curfew imposed in all areas of the Autonomous Administration in northern and eastern Syria is extended for a period Fifteen days starting from the morning of Wednesday 1/20/2021 until 3/2/2021 according to the following: A  All shops and stores selling food and vegetables shall be opened and closed at the time of the hour Five in the evening with the exception of the major markets  ( bazaars   Friday market, Sunday market B   Restaurants are exempted from closing during the ban period, they operate normally, with all the necessary preventive measures and health measures procedures taken
[ Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  There are over 44,000 confirmed COVID 19 cases across Syria and positivity rates ranging between 24 and 38 per cent as of mid February 2021 while more than 2,700 health care workers reportedly fell ill in 2020, underscoring the critical need for an expanded comprehensive response to the COVID 19 pandemic.
[ 16th ​March, 2021, GoS ]  % of SDs with majority of population in need of; 
  40 % Soap or Water, 
  44% masks and 
  47% disinfectant.
[ Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  Lack of robust, fully integrated disease surveillance and health information systems across the health sector response in Syria, hinders rapid detection of and response to outbreaks, as well as monitoring of health outcomes and the burden of a disease over time.
( 2020, overall Syria )  After having stabilized between July and October, prices of all components of the food basket recorded an increase towards the end of the year, which can be attributed to the lack of fuel and worsening of the informal exchange rate.
[ Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  Depreciation of Syrian currency erodes households purchasing power and subsequently spending capacity on WASH services, supplies and consumables. The overall estimated average expenditures on WASH services and supplies  ( water, hygiene items, garbage removal and desludging )  make up to 15 per cent of household's income in some governorates or population groups like returnees  ( 17 per cent )  and could be way higher at the individual household level.
[ November 2020, North west Syria ]  The number of positive COVID 19 cases rose steadily in north west Syria in November. As access to health and adequate sanitation in the context of continuous displacement remains limited across the region, the humanitarian community is actively operating to deliver lifesaving assistance while ensuring the safety of the people.
[ Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  According to WHO and UNICEF, the estimated required funding for the Phase I COVID 19 vaccine roll out under COVAX are US$4.5 million for areas under the control of Government of Syria and North east Syria, and US$2.5 million for North west Syria  ( areas not under the control of Government of Syria ) , which targets 3 per cent of the population, including front line health workers and social workers, during Q1 and Q2  ( January – June 2021 ) .
[ Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  According to Food and Agricultural Organization  ( FAO ) , high cost and limited availability of quality crop and livestock production inputs, damaged irrigation infrastructure across the country, degradation of livelihoods and income earning opportunities, coupled with the direct and knock on effects of Covid 19 and climate induced shocks continue to drive more people into food insecurity.
[ Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  It is expected that acute malnutrition among children 6 59 months in hard to reach areas and IDP camps will continue spiking, endangering the survival and wellbeing of nearly 90,000 children in Syria. Without appropriate care as high as 50 percent of these children might lose their lives because of acute malnutrition related complication.
[ Jan 2021, NWS ]  The NFI PiN increased from 3.4 million by nearly one million in mid 2020 due to developments in NWS and the price fluctuations. The NFI PiN rose to 4.69 million in 2021, which is a 9 per cent increase from the revised mid year 2020 PiN  ( 4.33 million ) .
[ Dec 2020, NWS ]  It was estimated that between 10,000 and 17,000 IDPs are residing in school buildings.
[ Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  Broken down by regions, the cross border region continued to report the highest price for bread of SYP 1,231/bundle  ( up four percent m o m ) , while northeast Syria reported the lowest price of SYP 218/bundle  ( up 22 percent m o m ) . The m o m price increase in northeast Syria is related to the closure of private bakeries during the last two weeks of January 2021. As a result, the demand for resold subsidized bread has increased which pushed its price up.
[ 5 January 2021, Syria ]  The living conditions for people in the camp… are mostly poor  [ with ]  no resources. Thus, many families are not interested in teaching their children as they are living under psychological pressure  [ themselves ]  for firstly, living in a camp and, secondly, losing their homes and lands.
[ November 2020, North west Syria ]  Of a total population of 4 million people in north west Syria, there around 2.7 million IDPs, who are considered to be in need of humanitarian assistance.
[ November 2020, North west Syria ]  New and protracted IDPs share the same urgent needs, in an area that has limited shelter options and where the fighting has caused the destruction of civilian infrastructure, including health facilities, schools, bakeries, and has disrupted the provision of basic services.
[ 25 February 2021, Overall Syria ]  While the value of the Pound dropped, prices of food and other essential items increased by more than 200 per cent. And purchasing power has dwindled substantially as a result. Average household expenses now exceed average income by an estimated 20 per cent. The result is that millions of Syrians are resorting to desperate measures to survive. More than 70 per cent of Syrians say they have taken on new debt over the last year. Many are selling assets and livestock. Parents are eating less so they can feed their children, and they are sending them to work instead of to school.
[ NES, 23 Dec ]  Ein Issa displacement numbers is estimated at 600 to 900 households. Households have been displaced the southern towns of Ein Issa and northern Raqqa, including Raqqa city.
[  NES, Dec ]  Areesha camp: Cases: 2 confirmed cases in December. One case was transferred to the COVID 19 clinic outside Washokani camp, and the second case self isolated within their tent. Update: Health or WASH partner needs to be identified for hazardous waste management for the isolation area. CM continues to cover contact tracing.
[ Jan 27th 2021, NWS ]  In the wake of the military campaign launched by the Assad regime and its allied militias in late 2019, the number of IDPs, as well as poverty and unemployment rates among them, have increased, forcing more families to work collecting garbage. But the increase in numbers of COVID 19 infections could mean an increase in garbage pickers catching infectious diseases, especially given the possibility of residents throwing out the personal waste of coronavirus patients in public garbage dumps.
[ 5 March, 2021, GoS ]  In government controlled areas, there were only 6 labs for COVID 19 testing. The number of daily tests has been around 570 daily, compared to 15,000 20,000 daily in neighboring Lebanon and Jordan, both of which have less than half the population of Syria.
[  NES, DEC ]  Tel Saman camp is the likely contingency shelter for any mass displacement as the camp is undergoing a 500 to 600 plot extension. Raqqa HAO and Tel Saman CA have stated that new arrivals from the ongoing Ein Issa displacement will be prioritized for the Tel Saman extension.
•  [ NEs, Dec ]  Access to the Annexes remain limited especially in the ability to conduct referrals to health facilities.
[ NES, Dec ]  Movement restrictions at the main gate of the camp are not respected – CA has refused to apply it as it limits livelihoods activities especially for those population who already have jobs outside the camp.
[  NES, Areesheh Camp, Dec ]  There have reportedly been 11 deaths within the camp including five children up to 14 months and three newborn children.
[ Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  The cross border region reported the highest informal refill price of butane gas at SYP 28,520/refill  ( up 13 percent m o m ) , followed by the coastal region at SYP 28,125/refill  ( up eight percent m o m ) , while northeast syria region reported the lowest price at SYP 14,393/refill  ( up 12 percent m o m ) , followed by the middle region at SYP 23,337/refill  ( up 113 percent m o m ) .