nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
1,804 persons were employed through the creation of short term work opportunities, in light rehabilitation works of road, waste removal and drainage system rehabilitation, COVID 19 awareness raising campaigns, and personal protective equipment and mask manufacturing.
Since 28 April, repatriation flights for Syrian nationals have progressively arrived, with approximately 2,690 nationals – out of around 10,000 who registered – repatriated from various locations to date. During the reporting period, a second repatriation flight from India arrived, carrying approximately 250 Syrian nationals, who remain in quarantine.
To reduce the risk of importing and exporting cases of COVID 19, WHO has developed a three tiered strategy to enhance preparedness and response capacity at PoEs; including early detection and timely isolation of suspected COVID 19 cases among travelers; effective infection prevention and control measures; and establishment of multi sectoral mechanisms with different stakeholders to coordinate for preparedness for COVID 19 at PoEs.
Given the extent to which even the most advanced health systems have been quickly overwhelmed, the priority remains on providing support to and reinforcing isolation facilities.
Further, the Logistics Cluster continues to facilitate access to free to user warehousing around Syria and is in fortnightly consultations with partners, including cluster coordination and Supply Chain working group meetings, and engaging with the PWG to keep an overview of any potential downstream supply needs
UNHCR continued supporting 37 protection partners utilizing 860 WhatsApp groups on awareness raising. In addition, one partner reached 1,693 people with awareness raising in the reporting period, including families with specific needs.
Through funds received by the OCHA COVID 19 reserve SHF allocation, WFP, as lead agency of the Logistics Cluster, is now providing access to an UNHAS service, including air cargo transport, from Damascus to Qamishli
In order to reduce the negative impact on affected population  ( IDPs, returnees, host communities )  and on markets caused by the combination of pre existing challenges, COVID 19 crisis and the ongoing economic crisis, increased funding is required on the following: o Support to businesses both in urban and rural environments ▪ Start  up support through grants or micro credit assistance ▪ Support micro businesses/businesses to contain the impact of COVID 19 and the ongoing economic crisis on their activities
Restoration of essential services and basic infrastructure to prioritize activities that would support the preventive and curative health response to COVID 19, including rehabilitation of health centres/facilities, retrofitting of designated quarantine facilities, equipping of isolation centres, waste management, restoration of water and sanitation services and provision of energy to these facilities, etc., in close coordination with other sectors and local governance structure.
In addition, AAH supported case management training for 250 frontline health workers in Rural Damascus and Aleppo, and an additional 60 in Al Hasakeh through 12 workshops. AAH further provided supplies to support 22 ambulances in Rural Damascus during the COVID 19 response.
In NES  ( as of 15 May ) , awareness campaigns and related trainings of partner staff, including in camps, IDP settlements and collective shelters are ongoing. In April, WHO, UNHCR and UNICEF completed a COVID 19 awareness campaign covering the five formal IDP camps, 74 collective shelters, 43 IDP settlements in Ar Raqqa and Deir Ez Zor and two informal camps in Menbij.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Integrate psychosocial support in formal and non formal education services   especially as governments prepare to re open schools and other learning sites that have been closed due to the COVID 19 pandemic  by building capacities of teachers, counsellors, and care workers to deliver PSS as an integral component of the curriculum
However, after the first confirmed case of COVID 19 being identified in northwest Syria on 9 July, schools have been closed again from 10 July. Learning has switched to the distance learning modality once more. Education authorities in Idleb are planning to assess the situation until 1 August and potentially reopen the schools after an assessment.
According to the seventh round of a COVID 19 Rapid Assessment released over the last week, there continues to be a weekly increase in the proportion of respondents who would ‘stay home' as the ‘main course of action' if they or a family member feels ill. Since the end of March the percentage of sub districts reporting that they would ‘stay home' as the main course of action should they or a family member fall ill has increased from 16 per cent of sub districts to 53 per cent of subdistricts.
On 20 April, NGOs opened a first phase  ( 60 beds )  of a 120 bed hospital in a repurposed factory building outside Al Hasakeh; however, due to lack of demand, the hospital has been placed on standby, and can be reinstated quickly should circumstances necessitate.
COVID 19 prevention needs: Cleaning of education facilities that are accessible to children and/or adults again. Clean WASH facilities in schools  ( in coordination with WASH cluster ) . Hygiene and basic health sensitisation at home, printed and/or through social media in coordination with Risk Communication and Community Engagement  ( RCCE )  efforts
COVID 19 prevention needs: Continued physical re planning of school infrastructure, especially in camps, taking into consideration adequate physical distancing and to prevent large gatherings of children. Maintain adjusted modalities for education services  ( classes etc. )  to incorporate physical distancing and prevent large gatherings.
Very high transportation costs have become a burden and an obstacle to accessing services.Shortage of PPEs for some IPs staff providing services.
One partner displayed IEC materials each day on 12 water trucks and five solid waste management vehicles and piloted the provision of remote examinations at ten schools. Two partners delivered more than 6,500 IEC sessions to various groups. At the same time, they supported 485 mosque announcements. One partner conducted awareness activities in 488 public facilities and provided online training to 65 teachers and 20 women
The risk of an uncontrolled, unmonitored outbreak in conflict countries like Syria is not just a local risk. It could cause the COVID 19 outbreak to persist globally for a longer period and risk new outbreaks
[ Syria 2019, child labour ]  Of assessed communities within the Syrian Arab Republic, 81 per cent reported the occurrence of child labour as a barrier to school attendance. Moreover, 45 per cent reported child recruitment to fighting groups as a matter of concern.Mainly adolescent boys aged under 15, and in some cases as young as 12, have been recruited, which is alarming as it nurtures a culture of violence and renders their reintegration in mainstream schools and civil society highly challenging.
Several factors indicate a wider and more rapid spread of the virus with unknown number of deaths.1 These factors include low testing capacities related to the fragility of the health sector; the lack of a national response plan due to poor coordination mechanisms between the different de facto authorities in the country; lack of public awareness; inability to impose strict precautionary measures by state and quasi state institutions; the absence of transparency; the politicisation of the pandemic by state and non state actors; and the rapid economic collapse, in addition to factors related to social behaviour and norms.
The Syrian MoH has commenced active surveillance utilizing 1,932 surveillance officers across 14 governorates, who are in regular contact with and actively visit public and private health facilities to monitor admissions. Within Syria, including NES, relevant stakeholders have agreed to collect samples through RRTs for referral to the public health laboratories for testing  ( in line with similar established mechanisms for sample testing ) .
Further funding is needed to respond to the unabated needs of the population which continue to increase and are worsened with the expansion of the COVID 19 pandemic into northwest Syria. The funding allocated to date remains significantly insufficient to respond to the needs.
The Ministry of Health  ( MoH )  reported 608 COVID 19 confirmed cases as of 24 July with 35 fatalities and 184 recovered. 44 of the total cases are reported to be healthcare workers. The increase in COVID 19 cases in Government of Syria  ( GoS )  areas has overwhelmed the capacity of local hospitals
[ 31 Oct 2020 ]   [ Al Hasakeh ]  Yesterday, Saturday, a medical source from the "Kurdish Red Crescent" in Al Hasakeh told Syria TV that he "expects a big explosion in the number of COVID 19 cases in the Al Hasakeh, especially with the onset of winter."
WHO continues to support the MoH with contact tracing, through the WHO developed application “Go Data'.. As of 10 May, 223 case contacts have been tested, with 20 positive for COVID 19. The MoH has also conducted active case finding, applying random sampling methods in seven Damascus and Rural Damascus neighborhoods where confirmed cases have been reported, with 726 people tested during March and April. The number of positive cases from these tests has not been made available.
Most of the displaced families hosted in 3 Reception Centres  ( RCs )  have been there for some seven months already, with no resettlement possibilities due to lack of adequate shelter options. Facilitating the relocation of IDPs from overcrowded RCs to sites where physical distancing and hygiene practices are more feasible is therefore a main priority.
The COVID 19 Crisis Coordination Committee is working with partners, particularly the Logistics Cluster, to minimize potential disruption to service delivery and essential humanitarian assistance, including through the Procurement Working Group  ( PWG )  in Damascus which is consolidating UN agency PPE requests in order to harmonize sourcing
Gaps and constrains in the country include, inadequate supply of Personal Protective Equipment  ( PPE ) , the need to enhance laboratory and case investigations, and safe guarding of public health; preventing cross infections within and out of health facilities
Sharp decrease in people's purchasing power. This has consequent negative impact on shops and businesses  ( compounding impacts of COVID 19 related restrictions ) , and the number of people in need of assistance is increasing, creating new gaps in the humanitarian response.
WHO has established the Supply Chain Coordination Cell to improve information management and coordination to support strategic guidance, operational decision making, and overall Supply Chain monitoring.
In June, approximately 2,985 students crossed into government controlled areas to sit their high school certificate and were accommodated in 25 centres located in six governorates.
World Vision's response to COVID 19 in Syria: In May 2020, a total of 12 projects were fully operational despite COVID 19, and four projects partially. 3,466 activities in total were conducted on the prevention of COVID 19 spread.
Movement of supplies  ( KRI to NES ) : NGOs are able to ship humanitarian supplies through the usual procedure on Tuesdays. NGOs are encouraged to report any challenges to the NES Forum
WV provides water trucking support and hygiene kit distribution to 43,260 people in northern Syria, in addition to lifesaving emergency WASH assistance. 61,581 individuals benefited from water provision in northwest Syria. In total, 55,245.5 cubic metres of water were provided during May and 62,243.50 cubic metres in June
We also now see a rise in reported cases of COVID 19, exacerbating Syria's economic malaise and further constraining the humanitarian response.
36,933 children have benefitted from WASH activities in northwest Syria camps. 29,232 individuals were provided a total of 21,003.10 cubic metres of safe drinking water in northwest Syria. 119 water tanks were distributed in the same camps in order to reduce lines for water collection and increase hand washing practices.
Between June and July, WV distributed 2,500 multi sectorial cash grants to newly displaced households living in northwest Syria to support them in meeting their survival needs.
COVID 19 has caused a triple shock for young people, including disruption of education and training, job losses and collapse of businesses and increased obstacles to find work. This situation needs to be addressed in order to prevent progress from being reversed.
Following WHO support for on site training of laboratory technicians and delivery of essential supplies, COVID 19 testing is also ongoing at the Tishreen University Hospital in Lattakia  ( 570 tests performed to date ) , the Zahi Azraq Hospital in Aleppo  ( 304 tests )  and at the public health laboratory in Homs  ( 205 tests ) . As detailed above, the GoS committed to establish laboratories in all 14 governorates. The increased capacity and decentralization of testing, including in NES, continues to be a priority for WHO to support implementation.
During this reporting period, UNICEF, including in its capacity as the WASH cluster lead, continued to engage with partners to strengthen IPC in healthcare facilities, schools and learning spaces, youth centres and communities, in addition to regular WASH services. UNICEF continues to support light rehabilitation of WASH systems in hospitals across the country, with works completed in 13 facilities  ( including Al Hol ) , and ongoing in two others.
Over the reporting period, the Akeirshi/ Shanan crossing point between GoS and non GoS controlled areas in Raqqa was reportedly partially reopened, in part to facilitate the movement of students crossing to GoS controlled areas to take their national exams. Temperature screening reportedly has only been established at this crossing point in recent days, with no medical, isolation or quarantine facilities in place.
According to updates from 24 WASH partners in 110 locations to the WASH COVID 19 reporting matrix, 89 percent have changed their response due to COVID 19, 80 percent have increased the amount of water supplied, 83 percent have adapted hygiene promoted activities, 59 percent have increased the amount of soap distributed, and 15 percent have increased the amount of laundry detergent distributed
In the first two weeks of June, 92 suspected cases were transported to the referral hospitals and to the COVID 19 CCTCs through the referral system that WHO supports. Of these, 35 cases were from PoEs while the other 57 cases were from the primary health facilities.
As previously mentioned, significant cross line and cross border movements have been witnessed since mid May. Some 13,000 people entered NES via the Tabqa crossing point according to local authorities during the Eid period. According to HNAP, since 6 June some 5,700 people have travelled into NES via entry points in Raqqa. There have also been a significant number of outbound movements, including approximately 1,500 students through the Akeirshi crossing point in Raqqa
As part of ensuring appropriate IPC measures during national examinations, WASH sector partners  ( UNDP, UNICEF, Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Rebuild and Relief International and UNHCR )  supported light rehabilitation of WASH facilities at accommodation and examination centres; provision of liquid chlorine for disinfection, water storage tanks and sanitation kits; disinfection of centres; and emergency water trucking.This included UNICEF distribution of WASH items to all exam centers including 5,100 cleaning kits, 5,100 backpack sprayers and 20,400 liquid chlorine bottles.
In NWS  ( as of 25 June ) , out of 13 cross border/cross line entry points, seven points of entry  ( PoE )  are partially open and have measures in place to screen travelers, suspect and refer cases.
Needs : Provision of education materials and supplies to children affected by COVID 19 to enable them to continue education through distance learning.
The number of suspected and confirmed cases in NES remains low due to preventative measures taken by local authorities. The overall risk of transmission remains high due to a number of risk factors, including  ( including low levels of compliance/ enforcement of curfew measures, as well as low surveillance capacity and existence of a parallel surveillance system.
Protection of livestock against endemic and epidemic diseases and improved local availability of quality animal feed increases the production of animal source foods for humans  ( dairy products, eggs, meat ) . The support provided to animal production is a significant contribution towards reducing human malnutrition, protecting human health and reducing the vulnerability of IDPs and host communities to COVID 19.
In Idleb and Dana sub districts, 171,494 students and teachers have been provided with awareness raising on COVID 19 and received information, education and communication  ( IEC )  and sterilisation materials. 25,529 students, teachers and parents sensitized on prevention of COVID 19.
The NES COVID 19 Task Force  ( TF )  is concerned about the possibility of a rapid increase in cases, caused by the loosening of restrictions and increased frequency and scale of movements through points of entry  ( PoE ) , as well as a possible ‘second wave' of COVID 19 in the winter.
Damascus, SANA – The Health Ministry announced on Friday that 83 new Coronavirus  ( COVID 19 )  cases have been registered in Syria, and that 8 patients have recovered, while 3 others have passed away.
In NWS, the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic, coupled with the rapid devaluation of the SYP, continue to exacerbate the humanitarian needs of 4 million people living in the area, including 2.7 million internally displaced. Most recently, some 780,000 of the nearly 1 million people displaced in NWS between last December and early March reportedly remain in displacement. An estimated 2.8 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, water, health and education; the impact of these recent developments exacerbate the existing humanitarian needs and create new need among the population.
Recommendation: Messaging around the importance of calling a healthcare professional as a first line of defense against suspected viral infection could target populations in Idleb. Knowledge of COVID 19 symptoms is high, and knowledge of even lesser known symptoms is increasing. Most respondents said they would seek some form of medical care, whether in person or remote, if they or someone in their family contracted COVID 19.
Suspension of schools due to COVID 19 impacted on the quality of education.
Since early June in Idleb alone, the value of the SYP has continued its decline, with the informal exchange rate reaching a historical record of 3,175 SYP per USD on 9 June. As of publication time, the exchange rate is fluctuating around 2,650 SYP per USD. In real terms, the current rate represents a devaluation of the SYP by some 105 percent since the start of May and by some 360 percent in the one year since June 2019
[ 31 Oct 2020 ]   [ NES ]  The medical source explained that the number of cases far exceeds the declared statistics, as most of the people who show symptoms resort to home quarantine without informing the medical authorities even those cases that reach the point of death, according to his words.
Nutrition Cluster partners provided the following COVID 19 related services: o 32,809 mothers and caregivers received information and prevention measures related to COVID 19; o 14,806 mothers and caregivers were counselled on breastfeeding in context of COVID 19; o 6,650 beneficiaries received masks and IEC materials related to COVID 19  ( posters, WhatsApp videos, etc. ) ; o 298 staff of partners trained on COVID 19 IPC measures; o 254 staff of partners trained on programmatic adaptations in the context of COVID 19  ( Community based Management of Acute Malnutrition  ( CMAM ) , IYCF E, surveillance, etc. ) ; o 554 staff of partners received PPE tools  ( masks, gloves, hand sanitisers, etc. ) .
The prices of basic necessities, including bread, food, water and hygiene supplies, are now reaching record highs, well beyond the ability of the population to cope. People are experiencing shortages of food and other key supplies in markets, OCHA reported on 12 June.
The impact of the devaluation exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation for people where only 17 per cent of children and mothers who need treatment for acute malnutrition were reached, leaving a gap for more than 57,000 individuals.
Nutrition Cluster partners are implementing the recommended adaptations for COVID 19, including continuity of lifesaving nutrition services, integration of infection prevention and control  ( IPC )  measures in all platforms to mitigate against transmissions of COVID 19, enhanced communication on IYCF E in the context of COVID 19, simplified protocol for treatment of acute malnutrition, surveillance, and supply pre positioning to avoid stockouts
Some 60 per cent of the people who need to access a safe water supply are being reached, leaving a gap of 1.3 million people across northwest Syria. In the Idleb area only, it is estimated that at least 45 percent of the population rely fully on water trucking as their only source of water, while and at least 65 percent rely on water trucking to complement their consumption of water
Key challenges encountered by Nutrition Cluster members in adjusting their operations for COVID 19 according to the Cluster guidance include lack of personal protective equipment  ( PPE ) , lack of infrared forehead digital thermometers to facilitate isolation at facilities, inadequate WASH services and mobility restrictions
An outbreak of the virus in Syria could have significant consequences, particularly affecting refugees and internally displaced persons because of the conditions in which they live, including lack of sanitation and overcrowding. In addition, Syria's healthcare system has been severely weakened by years of conflict.
TheCOVID 19 outbreak and continued economic downturn will cause further deterioration of the nutrition situation during the second half of 2020, as result of dysfunctional markets, limited livelihood opportunities, inflation, low purchasing power, increasing food insecurity and disruption of access to health and WASH services
When a fellow member of the health care workforce tested positive for COVID 19, the event was an alert to the entire community in northwest Syria to better prepare and plan and avoid this in the future
As of 14 June, a general relaxation of the several COVID 19 preventative measures issued in the majority of the country continues to be observed. At the same time, various access constrains continue to limit the ability of humanitarian staff and goods to reach people in need and of civilians to access essential services.
Also as previously detailed, WASH sector partners continue to deliver increased quantities of soap and hygiene kits. UNFPA continued provision of e vouchers in Dar'a to purchase essential hygiene items, with 1,219 households so far receiving assistance
Local authorities have expressed concern over the socio economic implications of the lockdown and whether a continued lockdown is sustainable. NES partners are advocating for an extension of the curfew until at least June when it is hoped there will be a better understanding of the epidemiological situation and additional case management capacity to respond to any spike in cases/hospital admissions that may result from lifting the lockdown.
WHO also continued training. Following a training of trainers session on 13 May for six people on IPC in health care, nine on the job training sessions were held in three governorates for health and nutrition NGO staff. During this reporting period, UNICEF, including in its capacity as the WASH cluster lead, continued to engage with the Health sector and other actors to strengthen IPC in healthcare facilities, schools and learning spaces, youth centers and communities, in addition to its regular WASH services.
In Syria, a notable increase of new COVID 19 cases have been registered, bringing the total number to 1,764. The prolongation of the COVID 19 crisis has lent itself to a further deterioration in the daily lives of Syrians.
To respond to COVID 19, humanitarian partners require $32.9 million to implement the NES Preparedness and Response Plan  ( PRP )    covering those areas of Hasakeh, Deir ez Zor, Raqqa and Aleppo governorates which are accessible to both NES NGOs  ( i.e. the cross border response from Iraq )  and the UN and Syria based INGO actors. Of this amount, partners currently face a funding gap of $23.6 million.
Water shortages in Al Hasakeh, Deir ez Zor, and ArRaqqa governorates continued to hinder basic hygiene precautions and displaced populations living in camps and informal settlements remained at heightened risk of COVID19. At the same time, COVID 19 mitigation measures were progressively eased during May and June. Markets and public spaces started re opening and partial curfews ended in most sub districts. Education remained the only consistently unavailable service up to mid June
[ 09/Oct/2020 ]   [ Damascus ]  The burial certificate officer in Najha cemetery has told Reuters that the daily absorption number  ( 40 deaths per day )  had tripled during most of July, and there was an increase in August, while the numbers are still much higher than the average.
The Ministry said, in a statement to SANA, that the infections' toll registered in the country reached till now 1402, of which 395 cases have recovered and 53 ones have passed away.
[ August 2020, Overall Syria ]  As of 26 August, the US$ 93.4 million updated COVID 19 flash Appeal was 64 per cent funded  ( including confirmed pledges ) , with the Syria portion being 38 per cent funded  ( including confirmed pledges )  as of 31 July.
[ 31 Oct 2020 ]   [ NES ]  The medical source said: "We receive dozens of calls from people over the course of 24 hours to review suspected cases or to conduct PCR tests. In fact, the large number of cases prevents us from reaching all of them."
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights  ( SOHR )  have documented the death of a doctor yesterday, who had COVID 19, in the northern Aleppo countryside. Which increases the number of deaths   due to COVID 19   to 3 deaths.
According to the statistics of SOHR, the number of positive cases have increased, since 9 of July until today, to 170 cases.
[ 16 AUG, NWS ]  Alouk water station feeding Hasaka city and the western countryside of the governorate stopped working on Monday as a result of US occupation backed QSD militia's acts that caused electricity blackout.
The price of soap, used for handwashing and considered a preventive measure against COVID 19 by the World Health Organisation, increased by 60% since May.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ] Nevertheless, as the economic situation has worsened, some humanitarian partners report that the informal exchange rate volatility and inflation had forced temporary suspension of local procurement and redesign of budgets, leading to likely delays in programme delivery
The health authorities have registered, today, 52 new positive cases of COVID 19 in North West Syria, distributed as follows: 8 cases in Al Bab city, 7 in Turkmen Bareh, 6 in Afrin, 6 in Jabal Samaan, and 25 cases in the city of Idlib. This number of cases   52   is considered the highest daily count of positive cases in NWS since July 9, and also adds to the number of previous cases, resulting in a total of 265 cases.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ] The UN RC/HC and WHO Country Representative, along with other UN leadership in country, continue to engage senior officials on the COVID 19 response,e, including with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister and Deputy Ministers of Health, the Ministers of MoSAL, MoLAE and Ministry of Education, as well as ICRC and SARC
In a statement, the Ministry said that the total number of patients infected with the Coronavirus reached 1593, and the total number of recoveries is 408 while the total number of deaths reached 60.
Of the 571 emergencyhealth kits delivered to date, over 70 per cent was delivered to health facilities in cross line areas. An additional 17.4 tons was delivered to other partners including SARC. Distribution of the remaining 33 tons covering more than 40 primary health care facilities is awaiting facilitation from relevant authorities.
[ 14th nov 2020, Overall Syria ]  There continues to be no testing sites in Daraa and north east Syria where infection rates have significantly increased in past months
As of 2nd September 2020, 120 COVID 19 deaths had been reported in Syria, of which 60 were in Damascus governorate
Barriers to healthcare access were reported by KIs in nearly all communities, which is of high concern given the COVID 19 pandemic. KIs in nearly half of communities cited overcrowding in health facilities as a challenge.
Unaffordability and scarcity of transportation to health centres, medicine shortages, and the high price of health services were indicated by KIs as access challenges.
During the reporting period, WHO also provided a range of COVID 19 related medical equipment to hospitals in Aleppo and Damascus, the Ministry of Health and SARC, including 10 pediatric resuscitators, three laryngoscopes for newborns, nine ventilators, nine respiratory humidifiers and one mobile x ray unit.
July also saw the first reported COVID 19 infections in northwest Syria and the non renewal of Bab al Salama border crossing. On 9 July, the first cases of COVID 19 was recorded among health workers in Idleb.d On 11 July, the UN Security Council approved a new cross border resolution for Syria and authorized a single border crossing for aid provision.e In mid July, aid groups and doctors warned that the reduction in crossings would hamper the response to the pandemic in Aleppo and Idleb.
Soap was also named as an unaffordable item in 47% of communities  ( 33% for the majority of people and 14% for specific groups ) , which may harm the ability of households to maintain important hygiene practices in light of the spread of COVID 19.
As outlined previously, UNDP is supporting rehabilitation at three hospitals. PUI has completed light rehabilitation of WASH systems at isolation centres in Dar'a and Deir Ez Zor. As outlined in previous reports, WHO delivered 85 tons of medical supplies by road from Damascus to Qamishli, to be distributed to various health facilities and health authorities for health partners in NES. To date, 52 tons has been distributed to 17 hospitals, including seven in cross line areas, two private hospitals serving as referrals for AlHol, six supported by NGOs operating in NES, and two hospitals in areas of government control
Health authorities have recorded in the city of Al Bab in the areas held by Turkish backed factions, north of Aleppo. According to Observatory statistics, the number of confirmed cases, since July 9 to date, rise to 67, including two doctors were residing in Turkey.
Blocking access to food, healthcare supplies, vaccines, and ventilators is unacceptable anytime but in the year of COVID19 it is even more reprehensible.
Health Ministry announced that the governmental team concerned in confronting Coronavirus  ( COVID 19 )  has decided to operate two flights weekly from Damascus International Airport to repatriate the Syrians stranded abroad.
A lack of pesticides is also having direct and indirect effects on countries' ability to contain pests. For instance, as transportation costs of pesticides to East Africa have increased by a factor of three and shipping is delayed due to fewer flights to the region, this has hampered the ability to contain the local locust outbreak and is heightening the threat to food security .
Refugees and International is alarmed that the first official case of COVID 19 has been confirmed in Idlib province in Syria. The spread of the virus could be catastrophic for a population already reeling from years of war and displacement and a Russian bombing campaign that has destroyed much of its health and medical infrastructure
After years of war and economic deprivation, Syria is poorly equipped to handle COVID 19. But the coronavirus is spreading fast, both in government controlled Damascus and in the rebel held northwest region of the country, where it is targeting the most vulnerable.
Meanwhile, NES NGOs are providing IPC/RCCE related assistance to 60 informal settlements, including 17 in Aleppo  ( Menbij ) , 34 in Raqqa and nine in Deir ez Zor. Interventions include hygiene promotion and dissemination of IEC materials, COVID 19 kit distributions, increased water provision and installation of hand washing facilities in a limited number of settlements.
Last month, a new subnational polio immunization campaign came at a time when the risk of missing out on life saving vaccinations among children had increased due to the prevailing fear from contracting the coronavirus.
In rural Damascus, UNICEF and partners continue to tirelessly provide children with critical vaccines despite all challenges caused by the COVID19 pandemic.
Prior to the campaign, UNICEF supported volunteers also went door to door informing families of the dates and locations of the campaign, answering their questions about the safety and importance of vaccines, and distributing informative brochures
According to officials, Syria has managed to avoid the worst of the coronavirus pandemic. The government says some 100 people have died of COVID 19 in the country
Damascus,SANA Damascus Governorate on Monday launched a disinfection campaign covering all the city's streets and neighborhoods, starting from Bab Musalla and al Midan areas aimed at enhancing measures taken to contain Coronavirus in light of the increase in registered infections.
[ 7th October 2020, Damascus ]  Official data put the national death toll from the pandemic at 20‮9‬, but throughout the summer burial notices were posted on city walls and social media almost daily as professional groups mourned lost doctors, academics, lawyers and politicians.
Local supply chains were negatively affected by COVID 19 preventive restrictions to cross border and cross line commercial activity
In particular, medicine shortages led to an increase in prices in both public and private facilities. Humanitarian supplies were allowed into NES once a week through Fishkabour Semelka crossingj , and the closure of al Yarubiyah border crossing with Iraq was renewed. Lack of basic goods including food, water and medicines contributed to deteriorating living conditions in camps hosting refugees and internally displaced people  ( IDPs )
Breakdown of the cases is as follows: 29 cases, including medical staff in HTS held areas in Idlib, parts of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia, and 29 cases in the areas controlled by Turkish backed factions, north of Aleppo.While recovery cases in north western Syria have risen to 51
UN sponsored talks to draft a new constitution for war torn Syria have been suspended one day after they began, after four representatives of the 45 member constitutional committee tested positive for COVID 19
The Ministry also stressed the need for complete adherence to wearing masks by the students and the educational and administrative staff, especially at the examination halls, in addition to using thermometers.
The authorities are closing shops at 3 p.m., without regard to the location of human gatherings in the area during the quarantine.
Spokeswoman for the U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Jenifer Fenton says all necessary measures were put in place to ensure the safety of constitutional committee members attending the talks
The envoy observed all the recommended safety measures during his interactions with Committee members and other interlocuters,' said Fenton. “He has not been advised that he needs to quarantine…Those persons who tested positive are in quarantine and have committed to quarantine.
Fenton says the U.N. immediately informed the Swiss government that committee members had tested positive. She says measures have been taken to mitigate any risks, and tracing of anyone who may have been in close contact with those infected is under way.
Breakdown of the cases is as follows: 32 cases, including medical staff in HTS held areas in Idlib, parts of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia, and 33 cases in the areas controlled by Turkish backed factions, north of Aleppo.While recovery cases in north western Syria have risen to 52.
The cases are broken down by region as follows: 22 cases, including medical staff in HTS held areas in Idlib, parts of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia, and 27 cases in the areas controlled by Turkish backed factions, north of Aleppo.While recovery cases in north western Syria have risen to 38.
the health authorities have quarantined the staff of al Quds Hospital in Al Dana city in Idlib countryside, upon the suspicion of several coronavirus cases.
Meanwhile, hospitals, clinics and health centres are overcrowded and are unable to meet the needs of patients and provide them with the necessary examinations.
In turn, a number of shops' owners in al Jazmatia area stressed the importance of sterilization and maintaining the spatial distance in crowded places, affirming their commitment to the preventive measures of disinfection.
The “Self Administration' had issued a decision closing the crossings and declaring quarantine in its areas of control in north eastern Syria, after detecting dozens of coronavirus cases, while the state of emergency, travel ban and the closure of markets were lifted.
At the beginning of August, SOHR sources reported that the number of deaths of coronavirus cases in the “Self Administration' areas rise to three.
Health authorities in the “Self Administration' areas had recorded 20 coronavirus cases, broken down as follows: 16 cases in Al Hasakeh governorate, two in Deir ez Zor, and two in the areas of “Self Administration' in rural Aleppo.This brings the number of infection cases to 50 in SDF controlled areas, all of which are quarantined
The use of the veto has put millions of Syrian men, women and children at risk   even as COVID cases are increasing across a country whose health system has been decimated by a decade of war.
[ 7 May 2021, GoS ]  Health Ministry said that 65 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Syria, while 234 coronavirus patients recovered and 8 others passed away.
With the increasing demand, face masks are sold today for 500 SYL each, after being sold for only 160 SYL before the crisis of the novel coronavirus. The high prices and shortage of face masks coincide with the increase in the number of infected cases in these areas.
The Cabinet also called for strict enforcement of wearing face masks for employees at state establishments, as well as ensuring the production of the necessary amounts of masks made according to the specifications approved by the Health Ministry.
[ 7th October 2020, Damascus ]  The sprawling Najha cemetery outside Damascus, resting place for thousands of dead from Syria's wars, is struggling to cope with a surge in victims from the country's latest conflict   the largely unacknowledged battle with COVID 19.
The Health Minster briefed the Cabinet about the additional measures being taken to boost the readiness of the health sector, saying that 375 additional respirators have been distributed among the public hospitals, and more measures have been taken to ensure the safety of medical staff.
Head of Cleaning in Damascus Governorate Imad al Ali said that the focused campaign includes disinfection and cleaning, and it will cover all Damascus neighborhoods in parallel with the usual daily work carried out by the services department, including disinfecting and cleaning the city's streets.
According to SOHR sources, about 100 new cases were recorded in Aleppo city during the past days and hours in neighborhoods of Salah al Din, Al Adhamiya and Saif al Dawla, three of which died, including a nurse working at Ibn Rushd hospital yesterday.
[ 7th October 2020, Damascus and Rural Damascus ]  A lot of cases are still going unreported, and the actual number of COVID 19 cases is much higher ... Damascus and rural Damascus are the hardest hit
The city of Aleppo and suburbs are experiencing an outbreak of the coronavirus, coinciding with poor living conditions and lack of health services in the city centres
During the reporting period, UNICEF continued support of construction of WASH facilities at the designated isolation centres in Areesha and Mahmoudli camps, in addition to their regular support to camps and collective shelters
[ 7th October 2020, Damascus ]  At the peak of the crisis, medical shortages at Damascus hospitals meant some middle class homes became treatment centres, with private firms delivering oxygen.
In addition, sectors have completed an isolation centre in Al Hol. In Ar Raqqa, an isolation ward is being set up at the National Hospital, and a quarantine center at Hawari Bu Median school in Ar Raqqa city. On 20 April, NGOs opened a first phase  ( 60 beds )  of a 120 bed hospital in a repurposed factory building outside Al Hasakeh; however, due to lack of demand, the hospital has been placed on standby, and can be reinstated quickly should circumstances necessitate. Across NES there are up to 18 specially equipped ambulances available to support COVID 19 related referrals. Of these, seven are in Al Hasakeh, three in Ar Raqqa, four in Deir Ez Zor  ( but require additional preparation )  and four in Aleppo.
The cross border aid mechanism is the most viable channel to deliver aid to millions of Syrians in need.
According to SOHR statistics, based on reports obtained from reliable medical sources in regime controlled areas, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases has reached 5,835.600 of which have recovered while 477 people have died of coronavirus.
No confirmed cases of COVID 19 have so far been reported among residents at Al Hol, however during the reporting period five healthcare workers operating at one of the field hospitals tested positive for COVID 19. The field hospital has subsequently been closed for two weeks due to staffing constraints. Further, on 13 August samples were collected from 22 suspect cases, including a pregnant woman suffering from diabetes, who was subsequently transferred to Al Hasakeh National Hospital.
The Ministry said in a statement that the total number of Coronavirus cases registered in Syria has reached 809, of which 256 patients have recovered and 44 have passed away.
According to SOHR medical sources, the number of infected people have risen significantly in Aleppo province in recent days, making Aleppo the most coronavirus recorded cases besides Damascus and countryside, in light of the disastrous medical situation.
In addition, on 21 June, WHO launched the first of 16 capacity building workshops aimed at training 480 healthcare providers, at eight university hospitals in Damascus, about best practices during COVID19, including case management. In NES, there are up to 21 prepared isolation centres for moderate severe cases, with five currently operational  ( approximately 309 out of 975 available beds ) .
The outbreak of Covid 19 in March 2020 and its related government preventive measures added to the already worsening economic situation and caused prices to increase even further since March 2020. In June 2020, the economy aggravated as a result of the political tensions and the uncertainty accompanied by the intensification of unilateral coercive measures  ( such as sanctions ) .
The gap between the highest and lowest average food basket price widened by 56 percent from SYP 31,188 in June 2020 to SYP 48,661 in July 2020 . The gap has also widened by 740 percent between July 2019 and July 2020. Highlighting worsening trade relations across Syria as well as being affected by the different COVID 19 preventive measures imposed by the different administrative entities across Syria.
There was high volatility in the informal exchange rate, and the average monthly rate jumped from SYP 1,600/USD in May 2020 to SYP 2,505/USD in June 2020, causing wholesalers to reduce their food supply on Syrian markets and caused some retailers to momentarily close their shops, while prices of all commodities  ( food and non food items )  have increased, especially of imported items.
[ 4 July 2021, GoS ]  Health Ministry announced that 34 new coronavirus cases were detected in Syria, 5 patients have recovered while 2 infected persons have passed away.
Humanitarian staff are also impacted, with restrictions on movement and lengthy quarantine a contributing factor to limiting the ability to deploy staff and contractors where needed, including international staff who may not be able to cross borders. Evolving and unforeseen preventive measures are also disruptive to humanitarian programming. As an example, in past months, the Alouk water station, a critical source of water for nearly 500,000 people in NES, has been disrupted multiple times, leading to water shortages, including in the reporting period. While emergency water trucking has been initiated by partners during times of disruption, the UN emphasizes that now, more than ever, essential civilian infrastructure including water and electricity must not be politicized.
[ 13th December 2020, NES ]  The detainees in al Hawl camp, the majority of whom are women and children, live in catastrophic conditions at all levels, as diseases and epidemics are spread due to the lack of health care.
Al Hol camp, the largest camp in northeast Syria, has been particularly badly affected with 12 health facilities, including two field hospitals, already forced to suspend operations   either due to staff having to self isolate or due to lack of PPE
The Health Ministry on Sunday evening announced that 29 new Coronaviruses  ( COVID 19 )  cases have been registered in Syria, and that 10 patients infected with the virus have recovered, while 1 patient has passed away
With massive shortages in medical equipment and supplies and the expanding threat of the spread of COVID 19, it is critical that the UN Security Council ensure that the cross border mechanism continues with two crossings into northwest Syria and reauthorize the crossing into northeast Syria, so that aid can reach the four million Syrians who rely on it in the most principled and effective manner.
The Health Ministry on Monday evening announced that 38 new Coronaviruses  ( COVID 19 )  cases have been registered in Syria, and that 12 patients infected with the virus have recovered, while 2 patients have passed away.
The Ministry said in a statement that the total number of Coronavirus cases registered in Syria has reached 847, of which 268 patients have recovered and 46 have passed away.
The ministry's regulations stipulate that travellers coming from Lebanon should present test results confirming that they are free of coronavirus and that the test must be taken less than 96 hours before their time of arrival from an accredited Lebanese lab.
[ 13th December 2020, NES ] The terrible deteriorated situation at the camp caused the death of dozens of children in addition to the spread of chaos and the increase of crimes and murder inside the camp which is encircled by the militants of the US occupation forces backed QSD militia.
As the economic situation deteriorates, NWS shows increase in poverty from 2017 when overall poverty was estimated around 80 85%, to extreme poverty at 50 to 60% in 2020, accompanied with an impact of COVID19 showing an increase in the number of overall and extreme poor
By the end of the month, a total of 31 COVID 19 cases were confirmed at the Idleb laboratory using nasopharynx swab. Among the cases 14  ( 45% )  were healthcare workers, that included physicians, nurses, and a dental technician, affecting several health facilities in both governorates. A total of 3,470 samples were collected in July, with 1,459 from Aleppo and 2,011 from Idleb governorates. All samples were tested by RTPCR, with the test positivity rate of 0.9%. Since the first positive test on 09 July, a total of 1,478 tests were done, with the test positivity rate of 2.1%. As of July 31, a total of 507 contacts were identified, out of which samples were collected from 309 contacts