nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
[ 10th January 2021, Overall Syria ]  In a statement on Sunday evening, the Ministry said that the total number of Coronavirus cases in the country reached up to 12364, of which 6029 cases recovered and 774 passed away.
[ 9th January 2021, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced that 95 new coronavirus cases were registered in Syria and that 64 patients infected with the virus have recovered while 5 others have passed away.
[ 01/02/2021, NES ]  As of 31 January, authorities in Northeast Syria  ( NES )  have reported 8,447 cases, including 395 fatalities and 1,982 recoveries. Healthcare workers have also been affected, with 733 reported cases.
[ 4th March 2021, Overall Syria ]  “The lack of fuel means that there are no ambulances to bring patients to hospital,' said Francesco Rocca, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. “Without power it is impossible to safely store blood or, one day, the vaccines.'
[ December 31, Homs ]  Abbas explained that the total number of infections that were recorded in the governorate's schools between city and countryside reached about 400, of which 116 were among students, indicating that the injuries that were recorded among students, most of them were in city schools not in the countryside, and no student entered hospitals or dead among them.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Today, 13.4 million people in Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance   a 21 per cent increase compared to 2020   with needs increasingly being exacerbated by economic decline.
[ 9th January 2021, Overall Syria ]  Covid 19 is "spiralling out of control" in Syria as hospitals in the country's northwest run out of oxygen and beds for critically ill patients, a charity has warned.
[ 9th January 2021, NW& Overall Syria ]  Since the pandemic began, Syria has recorded at least 40,000 coronavirus cases, with more than half of reported cases in the country's northwest, the last major stronghold for armed opposition to the government.
[ 9th January 2021, Overall Syria ]  Amjad Yamin, from Save the Children's Syria Response team, said he believed the overcrowded camps and lack of access to water had allowed the virus to spread faster in northwest Syria in comparison to other parts of the country.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  The economy has experienced irreparable harm since the crisis began, with the gross domestic product having declined by 60 per cent and the government increasingly unable to raise sufficient revenue to subsidize essential commodities such as fuel and bread on which the most vulnerable families rely. The Syrian pound is in virtual freefall having lost 78 per cent of its value since October 2019, while price increases for staple goods are at an all time high.
[ 18/02/2021 Gos ]  In Damascus, the Health Ministry on Wednesday announced that 50 new coronavirus cases were recorded, adding that 77 patients infected with the virus recovered and 3 others passed away.
[ January 07 ,Lattakia ]  The Director of Education stressed on the physical distancing during their semester exams, saying that all schools were directed to dismiss students to their homes and not to keep them in school after taking the exam to prevent overcrowding and to ensure their safety in general.
[ Jan, Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  mVAM February 2021 data revealed that 60 percent of interviewed households in Syria indicated consuming animal source protein less than two times a week. This negative trend is especially evidenced among households with poor or borderline food consumption, as they reported consuming animal source protein less than once a week in February 2021. This trend signals that dietary diversity could decrease if the food security situation does not improve, potentially leading to a rise in malnutrition.
[  8   14 January 2021 ]  Meanwhile, fuel smuggling has increased between the northeast and Syrian government held areas as well as territories under the control of the Turkish backed Syrian National Army  ( SNA ) . Fuel demand is, of course, higher at present because of wintry conditions.
[  8   14 January 2021 ]  As a result, bakery owners have turned to selling large portions of subsidized flour allocations to local merchants who then sell them on or smuggle them to government held areas.
[ 21st Dec 2020, northwest Syria ]  The production of animal source foods for humans continues to be prioritised to reduce human malnutrition, protect human health and reduce COVID 19 susceptibility, with improved access to animal feed for livestock owners and protection against endemic and epidemic diseases.
[ 21st Dec 2020, northwest Syria ]  The Logistics Cluster is working with its partners to identify supply chain related solutions in the event of a future roll out of the COVID 19 vaccine for northwest Syria.
[ 01/02/2021, NES ]  The repatriation of foreign children living in camps in North East Syria to their home countries has declined to an unacceptable level in 2020, new data shows, as the world grapples with the COVID 19 pandemic. Some 27,500 children are waiting to be repatriated, Save the Children said.
[ 21st Dec 2020, northwest Syria, Vaccination ]  Logistics capacity assessments on cold chain transportation and warehousing capacity in Turkey and northwest Syria are being undertaken for preparedness purposes
[ 18/02/2021, Gos ]  In Damascus, Health Ministry announced on Thursday that 44 new coronavirus cases were registered in the country, 79 patients infected with the virus have recovered while 3 others have passed away.
[ 21st Dec 2020, northwest Syria ]  In the context of COVID 19, only 4 percent of these IDP sites were fully using remote learning, compared to 44 percent that were partially using remote learning and 52 percent that were not using it. Main limitations for children learning from home in camps included caregivers being overburdened with other demands, inhibiting their ability to help their children learn at home, as well as caregivers lacking confidence to help their children learn and insufficient literacy/numeracy of caregivers.
[ 01/02/2021, Overall Syria ]  To ensure continuity of the operations, most agencies have adopted flexible work arrangements, WhatsApp groups being the most used one.
[ 01/02/2021, Overall Syria ]  Violence also features heavily in children's day to day lives, with twelve deaths recorded in Al Hol camp over the first two weeks of January. Save the Children has previously warned that children and their families living in such conditions are at risk of violence, abuse, and deliberate poisoning.
[ 21st Dec 2020, northwest Syria ]  Due to the increased cases of COVID 19 and schools not being able to operate fully, demand for distance and blended learning is higher than ever. As more schools open, needs increase for sterilisation items and for personal protective equipment  ( PPE )
[ 18/02/2021, Gos ]  The Ministry in Damascus said, in a statement that the total number of Coronavirus cases in the country reached 15045 of which 8982 cases recovered and 990 passed away.
[ 21st Dec 2020, northwest Syria ]  These funding gaps are increasing as the end of the year approaches. COVID 19 measures have also created further timebound logistical challenges, as restrictions in cross border operations create delays in the delivery of goods, especially those linked to the COVID 19 response.
[ 01/02/2021, NES ]  While the exact number of COVID 19 cases in North East camps are unknown, there are fears that the virus is spreading rapidly within communities since the first case was identified in Al Hol in autumn last year.
[ 21st Dec 2020, northwest Syria ]  The increasing COVID 19 cases among children aged 6  59 months and women of reproductive age necessitates increased coordination with partners managing COVID 19 community based treatment centres  ( CCTCs )  for the provision of nutrition support.
[ 13 January 2021, Syria ]  Internally, the country's two main sectors, agriculture and oil, have been hugely affected by the protracted conflict and its impact on extraction, production and national and international trade.
[ Feb 1st, 2021, NES ]  Bread crisis in Al Darbasiyyah city in Al Hasakah countryside is deteriorating a day after another, although there are three automated bread bakeries and nearly 20 other stone bread bakeries which produce thousands of bread packs every day.
[ Jan 5th 2021, Overall Syria ] The Health Ministry on Tuesday announced that 91 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Syria, adding that 71coronavirus patients recovered while 7 others passed away.
[ Jan 6th 2021, Overall Syria ]  The Health Ministry on Wednesday announced that 98 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Syria, adding that 67 coronavirus patients recovered while 6 others passed away.
[ Jan 5th 2021, Overall Syria ]  In a statement, the Ministry noted that the total number of the registered coronavirus cases in Syria has reached up to 11,890 up till now, of which 5,686 have recovered and 741 have passed away.
[ 13 MAY, GoS ]  The Health Ministry announced that 53 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Syria, adding that 294 coronavirus patients recovered, and 6 others passed away.
[ Jan 6th 2021, Overall Syria ]  In a statement, the Ministry noted that the total number of the registered coronavirus cases in Syria has reached up to 11, 988 up till now, of which 5,753 have recovered and 747 have passed away.
[ 13th Jan 2021, Syria ]  The curve of recorded coronavirus infections is witnessing relative stability, but it is not considered to be exceeding the peak of the disease seen last November, according to Director of the Ambulance and Emergency Department at the Ministry of Health Dr. Tawfiq Hasaba.
[ Jan 4th 2021, Overall Syria ]  The Health Ministry on Monday announced that 89 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Syria, adding that 69 coronavirus patients recovered while 5 others passed away.
[ 13th Jan 2021, Syria ]  Director of the Ambulance and Emergency Department at the Ministry of Health Dr. Tawfiq Hasaba told SANA that the number of suspected cases admitted to the public hospitals “is still large,' adding that the numbers announced are cases proven with a PCR test.
[ Jan 4th 2021, Overall Syria ]  In a statement, the Ministry noted that the total number of the registered coronavirus cases in Syria has reached up to 11,799 up till now, of which 5,615 have recovered and 734 have passed away.
[ 25th Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  Meanwhile, 1 in 8 children in Syria is now reported to be suffering from stunting due to chronic malnutrition, and millions go to bed hungry each night. Teenaged boys remain vulnerable to recruitment into armed groups and girls are subject to early and forced marriage.
[ Jan 2nd 2021, Overall Syria ]  In a statement, the Ministry noted that the total number of the coronavirus cases recorded in Syria has reached 11,616 up till now, of which 5,485 have recovered and 723 have passed away.
[ Jan 2nd 2021, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Friday that 92 new coronavirus cases were recorded, adding that 70 coronavirus patients recovered and 6 others passed away.
[ Jan 5th 2021, Overall Syria ]  Al Mujtahed Damascus Hospital registered seven cases of Kawasaki syndrome among children since last September, four of them had a positive Corona virus test result, and the hospital is currently preparing a research paper to document cases of the syndrome, which is classified as rare in the world.
[ Jan 5th 2021, Overall Syria ]  In turn, Head of children's department at Damascus Hospital confirmed that no death was recorded among the children with corona who had visited the hospital, and their number so far reached 20 children between the ages of 3 and 12 years, 8 of whom were cases proven by the PCR test, while the rest of the cases were treated as having the virus after conducting diagnostic investigations from x rays and others.
[ Jan 5th 2021, Overall Syria ]  Director of the pediatric department at Damascus Hospital, Dr. Qusay Al Zeer told SANA that the hospital began preparing a scientific research paper documenting the cases of Kawasaki Syndrome that were diagnosed between last September and this January based on international medical standards, pointing out that the recorded cases of children aged 3 to 12 A year, four of them had tested positive for Coronavirus.
[  8   14 January 2021 ]  The price of a 220 liter barrel of diesel increased from 28,000 SYP to 73,000 SYP in Deir ez Zor and 85,000 SYP in Ar Raqqa; meanwhile, the price of one liter of diesel fuel on local markets rose from between 180 and 220 SYP to between 410 and 450 SYP. One liter volumes of gasoline have also increased, as have the prices of a gas cylinder from 6,500 SYP to 14,500 SYP.
[ 13 January 2021, Syria ]  For communities within Syria, the declining value of the pound has been compounded by increasing levels of inflation of basic food, sanitation and medical items, as well as increased resource scarcity.
[ 20th Dec 2020, northwest Syria  ]  COVID 19 cases continue to rise steadily in northwest Syria, with 19,447 confirmed cases as of 20 December – 10,748 cases in the Idleb area and 8,699 in northern Aleppo governorate.
[ 21st Dec 2020, northwest Syria  ]  The percentage of current cases among medical healthcare workers decreased to nearly 9 percent, encompassing nurses, doctors and midwives, while a further 4 percent are auxiliary workers in the health sector. Since the last report, case numbers in the northwest increased by over 47 percent.
[ 21st Dec 2020, northwest Syria  ]  Of the new tests conducted in camp settings, 28 percent have returned positive results. Across northwest Syria, 286 COVID 19 associated deaths have been recorded and 10,477 people have reportedly recovered.
[ 17th Dec 2020, northwest Syria  ]  A record US$155 million has been generously contributed by 15 donors since the start of 2020, enabling the SCHF to support 2.9 million people with life saving and basic assistance across ten clusters and for critical COVID 19 preparedness, prevention and response in northwest Syria. However, as of 17 December, the 2020 Syria Humanitarian Response Plan  ( HRP )  remains underfunded, with only 55.1 percent of the total requirement funded as the year nears its end.
[ 21st Dec 2020, northwest Syria  ]  More schools are now opening either fully or partially in northwest Syria, despite increased COVID 19 cases and an unpredictable security situation. Education Cluster partners are prioritising COVID 19 mitigation measures such as providing additional learning spaces, sterilisation and awareness raising as well as rehabilitation activities including repairing windows and installing ventilation in classrooms.
[  Dec 2020, Syria ]  The outbreak of COVID 19 and the resulting lockdown for several months impacted Syrian people severely, with movement restrictions, increasing prices, job losses, difficulties in accessing basic services such as business, education and health care.
[  Dec 2020, Syria ]  Though not entirely blocked, humanitarian activities suffered delays further affecting those in need of assistance. International delegates were stranded around the world striving to provide support virtually in a country where direct physical contact is essential to conducting effective business
[  Dec 2020, Syria ]  Newly displaced persons resorting to IDP sites face immediate and acute needs related to access to shelter, food, basic services and livelihoods is only exacerbated by the economic impact of the COVID 19 which has negatively impacted the coping strategy of most Syrians as employment opportunities dwindle.
In November, 19% and 13% of the bakeries were assessed as not operational in Idleb and Aleppo Governorates respectively.
[  Dec 2020, Syria ]  During the pandemic, patients presenting symptoms similar to those of COVID19  ( not confirmed with a test ) , have created an additional burden, and led to additional disruptions on the health system
[ December 2020, Syria ]  Additionally, since reopening schools in September 2020, sharp rises of COVID 19 cases in schools have been recorded, reaching 1,540 cases in 10 December. Highlighting challenges in preventing COVID 19 transmission in schools, given overcrowded classrooms, and damaged infrastructure.
[ 15th January 2021 ]  In Aleppo, the exchange rate reached 2,865 Syrian pounds for buying and 2,890 Syrian pounds for selling.
[ 25th Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  The United Nations must be allowed unhindered access to all of Syria, The representative of the United States said, underscoring the critical role that greater cross border access would play in the delivery of COVID 19 vaccines. He expressed grave concern that people in the north east will be unjustly denied vaccines by the regime, noting that cross line deliveries are routinely blocked or re routed to regime controlled areas. The Council must ensure that other avenues are open when cross line deliveries are not working.
In November, 1 kg subsidized bread price ranged from 300 SYP to 600 SYP in Aleppo and Idleb Governorates. The price change was sharper for unsubsidized bread from 650 SYP to 1,000 SYP in Aleppo, from 600 SYP to 1,200 SYP in Idlib Governorate
[  Dec 2020, Syria ]  COVID 19 has had an immense impact on the Syria health operations with the subsequent waves of community transmission. From January to December 2020, there have been 9,041 confirmed cases of COVID 19 with 506 deaths in the Syrian Arab Republic
[ 18 March 2021, Gos Syria ]  Syria reported 149 new cases on 18 March 2021, raising the total of registered infections in the country to 16,925, including 1,130 deaths since the first case was reported in March last year.
[ Dec 2020, Syria ]  There is limited availability of Fertilizers and Fuels in most regions and governorates.
[ December 2020, NWSyria ] The most affected areas were reported in Idleb city, Dana and Afrin sub districts, together accounting for some half of all conirrmed cases in opposition held areas in northwest Syria. Highlighting a concern given colder winter months approaching, as well as, some 10 percent of the announced COVID 19 cases were living in camps and most people reported difficulties in following sanitation and hygiene measures.
[ December 2020, Syria ]  Close to half of the surveyed households  ( 44 percent )  reported poor and borderline food consumption in December 2020, with the highest levels recorded among female headed households  ( 54 percent ) . Although the national average rate of inadequate food consumption  ( poor and borderline combined )  remained steady at the same critical level reached in November 2020, it witnessed a 38 percent increase above the level recorded in December 2019
[ Sep Oct 2020, Syria ] Most of the fodder commodity prices continued to rise at an average of 22% from September 2020 to October 2020.
[ 14th January 2021, Syria ]  Syria is not faring well in the race to procure the COVID 19 vaccine. While30 million people have already been vaccinated in 50 countries, the vaccine is expected to arrive in Syria by April, or at the latest by June.
[ Dec 2020, Syria ]  Other input prices increased by an average of 21% over the previous month, while it rose 45% in the last three months.
[ 14th January 2021, Syria ]  COVAX encourages wealthier countries to donate doses, but donations must not be earmarked “for specific populations and geographies,' meaning that COVAX would not support Russian vaccine donations going exclusively to Syria.
[ Jan, Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  Between January and February 2021, the national average reduced Coping Strategy Index  ( rCSI )  increased from 17.9 to 19.8, with a wide share of female headed households resorting to at least one food based coping strategy  ( 94 percent )  compared to male headed households  ( 88 percent )  in February 2021. The national increase in rCSI is largely driven by households applying food coping mechanisms that are higher in severity. In February 2021, 47 percent of surveyed households reported reducing food consumption by adult members to prioritize their children's food consumption needs, an increase of five percentage points from January 2021. Also, to meet their food shortages, nearly half of the surveyed households  ( 46 percent )  reported borrowing food or borrowing money to buy food in February 2021, with a peak recorded in Dar'a  ( 64 percent ) . In addition, more than two thirds of the interviewed households  ( 68 percent )  reported relying on less preferred and less expensive food, with a peak recorded in As Sweida  ( 84 percent ) .
[ 14th January 2021, Syria ]  The regime held areas account for 5,602 active COVID 19 cases and have registered799 deaths, but “only 1.5%' of the deaths related to COVID 19 are reported,' Dr.Houssam al Nahhas, Middle East and North Africa Researcher at Physicians for Human Rights  ( PHR ) , told Syria Direct. Al Nahhas added that some physicians who tried to speak out about the pandemic's magnitude were intimidated, sometimes through physical violence.
[ December 2020, Syria ]  In addition, around one out of four households who were interviewed in the previous rounds of the survey and who had reported borderline food consumption since July 2020, had poor food consumption in December 2020, highlighting a grave food security situation.
[ 1Jan 31Dec 2020, Overall Syria ]  By the end of 2020, Alouk water station stopped pumping water for the fifteenth time in 2020 as a result of power supply disruptions or damages to the station. This affected almost half a million people in Al Hassakeh, forcing them to resort to potentially unsafe alternative sources of water.
[ Jan, Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  In February 2021, the proportion of households who reported facing challenges to access medical care services were 14 percent, with almost one out of five female headed households  ( 19 percent )  indicating difficulty in accessing hospitals compared to 13 percent of male headed households. The main impediment cited by the interviewed female headed households was shortage of financial means  ( 16 percent ) . Moreover, a third of interviewed households  ( 33 percent )  reported not being able to purchase the necessary medicines in February 2021, mainly due to lack of financial resources  ( 76 percent )  and shortage of medicines in pharmacies  ( 17 percent ) .
[ Jan, Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  Furthermore, in February 2021, around five percent of surveyed households in Al Hasakeh, As Sweida and Dar'a reported difficulties in obtaining remittances and/or food assistance due to movement restrictions.
[ Jan, Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  The widespread lack of livelihoods, income and employment opportunities make Syrian households more vulnerable to further economic shocks, which could have immediate ripple effects on their food security levels.
[ December 2020, Syria ]  In line with the deterioration of the food consumption trend, the adoption of food based coping strategies among vulnerable groups continued to worsen in December 2020. The rCSI average was much higher among IDPs and returnees, with around 88 percent for each group indicating relying on at least one food based coping mechanism, compared to 83 percent from resident households in December. Nonetheless, suggesting dire and difficult living conditions for all Syrians notwithstanding their residency status  ( IDP, returnee or resident ) .
[ 11 Mar 2021, NES  ( Ar Raqqa )  ]  The water level of the Euphrates River in Syria's northern province of Raqqa has decreased dramatically over the past few weeks. Should the river's water flow continue as it is now, economic activities   and particularly agriculture   in Raqqa and other Syrian areas that the river crosses through will be harmed.
[ 14th January 2021, NW Syria ]  Northwest Syria, an area outside Damascus's control, hosts 4.2 million people, but the testing capacity is around 1,000 tests daily. This lack of capacity does not allow for building a “clear image about the spread of the pandemic,' according to Firas al Fares, program manager at the Syrian Expatriates Medical Association  ( SEMA ) .
[ 24 March, 2021, Overall Syria ]  Syria will soon receive one million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, the World Health Organisation has said, as the number of positive coronavirus cases continued to rise sharply. Around 1,276 new positive cases were recorded across the country over the past week, compared with an increase of 748 new cases last week.
[ December 2020, NESyria ]  Syrian households continued to grapple with challenges to reach markets and medical facilities during the pandemic. In December 2020, nearly one out of four households in Syria  ( 23 percent )  reported not to have access to markets, with peaks recorded among female headed households  ( 28 percent ) . This trend was more pronounced in Al Hasakeh and Ar Raqqa, where more than one third of respondents in each governorate  ( 35 percent )  reported difficulty in reaching markets in December, primarily due to COVID 19 travel related restrictions  ( 15 percent ) .
[ December 2020 ]  According to mVAM December data, close to half of the surveyed households  ( 45 percent )  in Dar'a, As Sweida and Quneitra mentioned not being able to purchase the necessary medicines this month. Also, approximately one out of irve households in Al Hasakeh and Ar Raqqa indicated shortage of medicines in pharmacies in December 2020. Hereby, highlighting a health concern given that 17 percent of respondents across Syria reported having elderly members with chronic diseases in their household.
[ November 2020, Whole of Syria ]  Without more funding, an estimated two million children and women will not be reached with nutrition interventions, one million will not receive primary health care and about 300,000 will be deprived of psychosocial support and case management.
[ November 2020, North west Syria ]  There is still a significant gap in funding of infrastructure, especially for the new sites that have been established by the IDPs themselves.
[ January 13, Tartous ]  The Central Emergency Committee in Tartous Governorate reviewed the current situation of the spread of the Coronavirus, and the Director of Health, Dr.Ahmed Ammar, provided pictures of charts of the reality of injuries, deaths and recovery in the governorate, which show the decrease in infections in the past few days.
[ January 13, Tartous ]  The Emergency Committee stressed the prevention of dealing with medicines that are inconsistent with the treatment protocol for the Corona virus on the black market, and taking the necessary measures against violators and activating the work of drug control through tours to pharmacies, monitoring compliance with the official price bulletin.
[ January 13, Tartous ]  The Emergency Committee obligated private hospitals and central class centers in the governorate to submit a daily report on the results of the analysis to the Health Directorate, and to allow cafes and restaurants to operate until twelve at night in response to the citizens' demands, while strictly applying precautionary measures, maintaining the distance and reducing the occupancy rate, and opening condolence and wedding halls while preserving Health conditions based on the awareness of citizens.
[ January 2021, NWS ]  % of communities where COVID 19 risk indicators were reported : 7% Washing hands less frequently reported as a coping strategy for a lack  of water.
[ November 2020, North west Syria ]  With the Syrian Pound losing value in comparison to other currencies, and with an increase in hostilities, the population is now facing more difficulties in addressing their basic needs.
[ November 2020, North west Syria ]  The majority of these sites are self settled and lack camp management systems.
[ 20th Jan 2021, GOS ]  % of SDs with majority of population in need of; Soap or Water 42%, 56% masks and 64% disinfectant.
[ November 2020, North west Syria ]  By November, there were more than 1,700 cases reported in camps, more than 5 times the cases reported in October. Overcrowding and lack of camp management remain major challenges in the fight against the pandemic in IDP sites.
[ 20th Jan 2021, GOS ]  GOS controlled areas have hardly or no communities implementing COVID 19 mitigation measures such as awareness campaigns, closure of public spaces, lockdown, isolation, temperature check etc.
[ November 2020, North west Syria ]  These forced evictions of IDPs are assessed to be linked to a consistent increase in rental prices due to the Syrian Pound devaluation as well as the intention to revert to the original use of schools and other public buildings.
( 3rd Jan 14th Jan 2021, NES )  During the last two weeks, SYP has regained its value by 2% compared to the end of December. However rapid SYP value fluctuations during this period has led to an increase in inflation of prices in the most of items surveyed.
[ 20th Jan 2021, GOS ]  Hardly any to no communities in Rural Damascus of GOS have access to psychosocial support.
[ 20 January, North Syria ]  The Epidemiological Surveillance Laboratory Network confirmed one death and 22 new coronavirus cases in northern Syria, bringing the total number to 20,867 cases and the number of deaths to 379.
[ 19 January, 2021, Syria ]  Dr. Essam al Amin also said that the new strains do not pose an additional risk when it comes to the spread of the virus, stressing that the vaccine, for now, is effective against all existing strains.
[ Dec 2020, NWS ]  In December, 33 families had their tents destroyed in 21 fire and weather related incidents, while 895 families had their tents destroyed or damaged in 8 flood incidents. Some of the reasons behind the high number of incidents recorded in the past few months relate to an increased reporting capacity of Cluster member, but also overcrowding in IDPs sites, lack of awareness of risks, bad use of gas and electric cooking or heating equipment.
( 3rd Jan 14th Jan 2021, NES )  Prices of COVID 19 items have slightly decreased by 1%., with the demand for gloves, sanitizers and masks decreasing. The reason for this drop in demand, is it is unfeasible for many households to purchase these items regularly as they prioritize other spending needs during these times of economic hardship. The main buyer for these items are NGOs and local authorities' departments. 40% of vendors reported that their main challenge remained the exchange rates.
[ November 2020, Whole of Syria ]  Overall the Whole of Syria appeal faces a 35 per cent funding gap. Additional funding, especially flexible in nature, is urgently needed to ensure that children in Syria continue to receive the life saving humanitarian assistance.
( 3rd Jan 14th Jan 2021, NES )  SYP has regained its value by 2%, with the informal exchange rate fluctuating daily. The median USD exchange rate in NES this week decreased from last week's, 2925 SYP, and the recorded median was 2860 SYP. The trend of SYP depreciation is expected to continue in the coming weeks, despite the recent recovery of SYP value.
( 3rd Jan 14th Jan 2021, NES )  The partial lock down announced by "The Corona Crisis Committee" is continued till 19th of January in all North East Syria cities. All markets in this area will close down after 5 PM, with the exception of pharmacies, and other emergency service providers
[ 26 November 2020, NES ]  A full lockdown came into effect on 26 November covering Qamishli, Al Hassakeh, At Tabqah and Ar Raqqah districts, for ten days.
[ November 2020, Whole of Syria ]  November witnessed the first total closure of a school in Syria since the resumption of schools in September.
[ November 2020, NES ]  Alouk Water Station, which is the main significant contributor to meeting the daily water demands for Al Hassakeh city and surrounding areas, has not been operating at its maximum production capacity. From 27 30 November, the station was only operational for 2 3 hours a day.
[ November 2020, NES ]  As a result of clashes between armed forces, some 130 families were displaced towards the northern countryside of Ar Raqqa.
[ January 14, Rif Damascus ]  In violation of the precautionary measures issued by the team concerned with dealing with the Corona virus, and in clear violation of the instructions of the World Health Organization, the telephone center in Dummar project has re worked on the thumbprint as an incomprehensible step and a health violation of the instructions of the Ministry of Health, in light of the conditions the world is going through, especially with the increase in numbers The injured in Syria, and constant reminders of the need to take the necessary precautions to combat Covid 19.
[ Dec 2020, NWS ]  Flooding started in NWS risking sites to be inaccessible, while COVID 19 continues striking and posing increased risk on overcrowded communities already where health care is jeopardized. Floods incidents were recorded by CCCM affecting at least 17 IDP sites in December.
[ January 6, Homs ]  Agricultural associations, affiliated with the Farmer Union, are distributing only a quarter of the fertilizers allocated to farmers in 2019 and types needed exclusively for the cultivation of wheat.
[ January 6, Homs ] The farmers' shares of fuel for tractors and other agricultural machinery were also cut down by the third of the supplies delivered in 2019.
The Humanitarian Needs Assessment Programme's  ( HNAP )  26 August 2020 COVID 19 Rapid Assessment showed that all total curfews, partial curfews, and community lockdowns had ended in almost all areas controlled by non state and Turkish backed armed forces  ( NSAG & TBAF )
[ 1 Nov   31 Dec, NWS ]  In the North West, the number of infected people quadrupled between 1 November and 31 December.
[ November 2020, NES ]  In the North East, a partial lockdown announced in November has been extended for another 15 days as the virus sweeps across the region.
The current official SYP USD exchange rate as regulated by the Central Bank of Syria  ( CBS )  remains at 1250SYP. There has been reports that CBS is considering adjusting this exchange rate closer to the informal exchange rate. This, if likely to happen, will contribute to the devaluation of SYP and thus have larges impacts on inflation and purchasing power in the entirety of Syria,
[ 5 Oct 2020, Damascus  ( GoS )  ]  The costs of the basic consumption basket for a family of five people in Damascus reached 660,000 SYP at the end of September 2020, almost 85% higher than the level of these costs last year.
[ Dec 2020, NWS ]  The end of the year crowned with and ongoing effort, by WHO and UNICEF, to ensure NWS is on the map of vaccination via the COVID 19 Vaccine Global Access  ( COVAX )  Facility, administered by the GAVI, the vaccine alliance.
[ 5 Oct 2020, Damascus  ( GoS )  ]  The costs of food necessities on the basis of an average of 2,400 calories per person per day, practically requires 275,000 SYP for a family of 5 people, and with the addition of essential oils and drinks, the cost reaches 311,000 SYP.
[ 5 Oct 2020, Damascus  ( GoS )  ]  Housing costs have increased by 25% for rents over the past six months, from an average of 90,000 to 125,000 SYP for an apartment.
[ 23 January, Syria ]  Health Ministry announced that 78 new coronavirus cases were registered in the country, and that 71 patients infected with the virus have recovered while 6 others have passed away.
[ 23 January, Syria ]  In a statement on Saturday evening, the Ministry said that the total number of Coronavirus cases in the country climbed to 13557 of which 6989 cases recovered and 879 passed away.
3 of functioning health facilities reported difficulties in accessibility, mainly due to distance and security.
Since 1 December 2019, over 80 health facilities temporarily or permanently suspended services in NW Syria due to the armed conflict. but many relocated and resume services by Q1 and Q2 2020. By the end of Q3 2020 , there was a remarkable increased in health facilities: 2 hospitals, 9 Primary Health Centers and 16 mobile clinics, 2 specialized care centers. Out of total functioning health facilities reported from the North of Syria 222  ( 56% ) of them are in Idleb governorate and 156  ( 39% ) are in Aleppo governorate; while 18  ( 4.5% )  health facilities reported are from Northeast Syria  ( Al Hasakeh, Ar Raqqa, Deir ez Zor )  governorates. Out of 577 assessed facilities, 62%  ( 360 )  were reported fully functional and 6.2%  ( 36 )  partially functioning.
The total number of 43,984 lab tests were performed in public health laboratories in five governorates   Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Lattakia, and Rural Damascus. The current testing rate is 216 tests per 100,000, and positivity rate is 17.9%.
COVID 19 testing is taking place at six laboratories in Damascus, Rural Damascus, Aleppo, Homs and Lattakia governorates. One Gene Xpert machine is functioning at health centre at Syria Lebanese border, mostly for returnees. There are 32 quarantine centers with 5,182 bed capacity; 86 hospitals with 956 ICU beds; 22 designated isolation hospitals with 1,090 beds and 214 ICU beds.
As of 30 November, 23% of cases were reported in Damascus governorate, 18% in Aleppo, 16% in Homs, 11% in Rural Damascus, 10% in Lattakia. The current transmission is presented as “community'. Taking the average number of confirmed cases, it appears to indicate the Syria has entered a second wave. The number of confirmed COVID 19 cases among health workers increased to 239, mainly in Damascus hospitals, Lattakia, Aleppo and Rural Damascus. 12 health worker deaths were reported among positive COVID 19 cases  ( 6 in Damascus, 2 in Rural Damascus, 2 in Aleppo and 2 in Homs )
Around 86 per cent of school aged Syrian children live in areas with acute and immediate need of humanitarian education assistance. This is an increase of 800,000 compared to last year. Approximately 6.6 million children  ( 50 per cent female )  are in need of education assistance. An estimated 2.45 million children are out of school  ( 1.5 million of whom are boys ) , 1.6 million students are at risk of dropping out, a respective increase of 16 per cent and 23 per cent from last year
[ Jan1st 2021, Overall Syria ]  In northern Syria and Iraq, where millions of people remain displaced or in internment camps, images of vaccines being administered in the US and UK have heightened fears that the collective efforts of global scientists will be focused on developed societies.
More than one in three schools are partially damaged or destroyed.
Half a million children are chronically malnourished and an additional 137,000 children under five years of age are suffering from acute malnutrition, heightening their exposure to preventable morbidity and mortality.28 Maternal malnutrition rates have increased five fold compared to 2019, particularly in north west Syria where acute malnutrition was prevalent in 21 per cent of displaced pregnant and breastfeeding women at the time of drafting. While at least one out of eight children in Syria is chronically malnourished this ratio is worse in areas affected by displacements, returns, and over burdened communities such as north east Syria, Rural Damascus, Idlib  ( 1 out of 5 children ) , and Aleppo  ( 1 out of 4 children  ) .
6.1m IDPs. Almost 40 per cent of internally displaced families have been displaced more than three times, with every displacement further eroding coping capacity. Repeat displacement numbers are particularly high for internally displaced persons  ( IDPs )  in north west and north east Syria, where the majority of the 1.8 million displacement movements were recorded in 2019. More than 400,000 people were displaced in the north west between May and August 2019, many of these multiple times. Many of those displaced sought refuge in and added to an already high number of IDPs living in last resort sites, i.e. mainly informal settlements and collective centres in which shelter and WASH facilities are sub standard, and health and protection risks are elevated. In total, the number of IDPs in last resort sites and camps increased by 42 per cent in 2019 compared to 2018, and as of February 2020 stands at over 1.4 million. The number of people requiring shelter assistance has increased by 20 per cent, from 4.7 million in 2019 to over 5.5 million in 2020. This rise is driven by loss of capital, the destruction of housing infrastructure and the deterioration of shelter conditions in 238 out of 272 sub districts, and compounded by the scale of new displacement in 2019, protracted displacement, return movements and a very limited shelter response.
7.9m people food insecure. In 2020, the number of food insecure people has increased by 22 per cent, previously at 6.5 million in 2019. an additional 1.9 million people are at risk of food insecurity. The main drivers to food insecurity remain to be conflict and protracted displacement, loss or lack of livelihoods and reduced production capacity and economic sanctions on the country. Economic sanctions have had a major impact on the import of agriculture production inputs and critical supplies putting a strain on the availability of quality agricultural inputs in the market as well as their affordability. Fuel shortages too have further resulted in the spike of transportation and agriculture production costs including mechanized land tillage which is critical for raising national food production level to pre crisis levels. These factors have resulted in limited physical and financial access to food, soaring prices and 116 . The number of food insecure people was determined through household assessments undertaken by WFP and the Food and Agriculture Sector using a standard globally accepted methodology for assessing food insecurity.inflation, contributing to reduced purchasing power and continuous livelihood depletion for the most vulnerable. With at least 69 per cent of people living below $1.90 a day and with an estimated cumulative GDP loss of $226 billion between 2011 and 2016  ( $16 billion of which are attributable to the agriculture sector alone ) , the relationship between poverty and food security remains particularly strong.
( 3rd Jan 14th Jan 2021, NES )  Fuel has shown a shortage in supply during last period especially diesel due to the high demand during this period. This strained economy has greatly diminished the already tenuous purchasing power of many populations.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  The healthcare workforce has been further depleted by COVID 19 with 4,074 healthcare workers having contracted the disease to date amounting to nine per cent of the total case load. This has occurred at the same time that demand for health services has heightened due to the pandemic. Absolute numbers of qualified healthcare personnel tell only one part of functionality, however, with COVID 19 having placed a further burden on their mental wellbeing, exposing them to high rates of emotional and physical exhaustion, psychological stress and burnout, which can further inhibit service delivery.
[ Jan1st 2021, Overall Syria ]  “I don't think we will get this vaccine as internally displaced people in the camps because we need a representative to source it for us,' said Mahmoud Sleiman, a resident of the Hassan Sham camp in northernIraq. “In our case it is the government that should order for us, and I doubt they will get it in time. Even if they do, there will be corruption in the process and only rich people will get it. Poor people like me never will.'
[ Jan1st 2021, Overall Syria ]  Senior members of the UN system fear that the distribution of vaccines will become a political tool, as have other forms of aid, such as food and medicine. Host governments are likely to be the primary means of entry of the vaccine.
[ 23 April 2021, Overall Syria ]  In the Syrian Arab Republic, the economy has been rapidly deteriorating in 2020 due to multiple shocks including mass population displacement, damage to infrastructure and services and a shortage of foreign exchange reserves. This led to a rise in the number of food insecure people to 12.4 million, including 1.3 million severely food insecure. Among the 12.4 million, there are also 1.7 million IDPs residing in camps, who are considered highly food insecure.
[ Jan1st 2021, Overall Syria ]  UNHCR said it has managed to maintain infection rates among forcibly displaced communities at comparable levels to local populations. However, official numbers of infections provided by governments in countries such as Syria are widely believed to be an extreme underestimation
[ Jan 6th 2021, Overall Syria ]  The Ministry stressed that it took all necessary health measures and required preparations to guarantee proper functioning of the exams process, taking into consideration adherence to the preventive measures to confront coronavirus.
[ 08/02/2021 ]   [ NWS ]  By December, there were more than 2,152 cases reported in camps.
[ 4 May 2021, GoS ]  Currently, 10 nursing schools are functioning under the supervision of Ministry of Health  ( MOH )  in Syrian Governorates. Around, 4070 midwives are working in the public sector in all Syrian governorates  ( CBS, 2021 ) ; the majority of midwives work in the central cities. Based on the recent reports of the MOH, these schools graduate around 300 nurses and 45 midwifes per year. Despite the limited data on the status of midwives, the fact that they are inequitably distributed all over Syrian governorates cannot be challenged
[ 29 April 2021, NES ]  The water in the Euphrates Reservoir  ( al Assad Lake )  in the western countryside of Raqqa province has reached its lowest levels since the Syrian regime lost control of the area in 2013. On April 29, the water level in the reservoir fell to 298.83 meters above sea level, a decrease of five meters from its average level of 304 meters, a technician at the dam told Syria Direct, requesting anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to the media. This time last year, the water level was 301.06 meters.
[ 7 14 Dec 2020, NWS ]  In December, vendor supply challenges remained similar to those reported in November. Of 2,182 surveyed vendors in NWS, 86% reported facing one or more supply challenges in December. As in previous months, price inflation was the most commonly reported supply challenge, reported by 83% of vendors. This was most commonly reported in Idleb governorate where 91% of vendors reported this issue.
( 3rd Jan 14th Jan 2021, NES )  As a result of the high inflation prices and low wage rates, many households have adopted various coping strategies, most commonly buying smaller quantities of goods, buying cheaper priced foods, cutting meat from their diet, and borrowing money/debts to store. The wide gap between the prices of items given by vendors in most of the assessed areas is a continued trend. These findings highlight the continuation of new economic difficulties that face the population across NES.
[ Jan 14 to 20, NWS ]  Due to heavy rainfall and flooding, inadequate shelter conditions are most prevalent in IDP camps in northeast and northwest Syria, including Aleppo, Idlib, Rif Damascus, and Ar Raqqah governorates, the SNFI Cluster reports. In addition, nearly 4 million people resided in areas of high elevation, snowfall, and extreme winter weather.
( 3rd Jan 14th Jan 2021, NES )  Dry Food : JRAM findings show a slight increase in food items prices by 1% as a result of increased transportation prices despite SYP regaining its value by 2%. This has been a continuation of the trend from early October. Surging food prices in recent periods have raised concerns about food security; indicative of food items being linked to many factors such as fluctuating of currency, availability of items, transportation costs and Corona restrictions, with 47% of the vendors citing fluctuating exchanging rate  ( USD_SYP )  as the main challenge they face and 28% mentioning transportation costs.
[ 11 April 2021, Damascus, GoS ]  Director of the ground operations at the Syrian Airlines, Wael al Hadiri pointed out that a weekly flight will be run from Damascus International Airport to Russia, taking into account all preventive measures to deal with the Corona epidemic, indicating all preventive and safety measures have been implemented at Damascus International Airport, including sterilization, wearing masks and place distancing.