nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
A further four NGOs have trained approximately 44 additional contact tracing teams which can be mobilized to support contact tracing. This includes 10 teams  ( 20 contact tracers )  in Kobane who have been trained over the last 2 weeks. Beyond contact tracing capacity, camp settings are proving particularly challenging.
As of 23 July, the SA formally announced the closure of all land border crossings into NES from both KRI and GoS areas in all but emergency cases. The weekly exemption for NES NGOs to cross into/ out of NES via the Fishkabour Semalka crossing remains in place. In addition, the main commercial hub, the Walid crossing, remains open to transport imports into NES. As of Tuesday 15 September, the Fishkabour Semelka crossing will also be opened up for cancer cases and separated spouses to return to NES.
It is estimated that the SA currently have between 27,000 and 31,000 COVID 19 PCR tests in stock, equivalent to between 540 and 620 testing kits  ( each with 50 tests ) . In addition, at least two NGOs are planning to procure additional PCR testing kits; with one of these partners having received approval to move ahead with the procurement of between 200 400 kits  ( 10,000 20,000 tests ) .
Gaps at POE: Qamishli CoH oversee the screening of arrivals at Semelka and Walid crossing points with KRI and have recently highlighted a number of specific gaps with regards POE capacity. This includes lack of dedicated ambulances at the crossing points, an isolation caravan, equipment for sanitizing/ disinfecting vehicles, PPE for border staff and basic medical equipment.
[ 28th April 2020, NE Syria ]  In mid April, the UN said that “the absence of a laboratory capacity in NES  [ northeast Syria ]  coupled with transport delays and access challenges, hinders the timely testing of suspected cases.'
[ 23rd September 2020, NE Syria ]  It also decided to re open the AounAl Dadat land crossing located between Manbij and Jarablus from September 19 to 30 only. The crossing is under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces and of the Syrian National Army.
Lack of contingency planning: Although there are significant gaps in Case Management capacity across NES, these gaps are more acute in some places than others. For Qamishli, one of the biggest population centres in NES, there is currently only one isolation facility for COVD 19 cases  ( in a repurposed school )  with no actionable plan to quickly activate additional capacity should there be a surge in COVID 19 hospitalizations. Developing plans to quickly scale up capacity  ( e.g. by converting whole hospitals for COVID 19 )  is essential, and underlines the importance of centralized/system level strategic leadership and the urgent need to mobilize additional supplies of medical equipment, consumables, PPE and COVID related pharmaceuticals
The NES Forum continue to advocate for multiple modalities to supply diagnostic items to ensure there are sufficient stocks over the coming months, particularly with the anticipated onset of flu season. The lack of PCR testing kits is one of the key factors contributing to the current low level of testing in NES, with the SA reluctant to undertake intensive testing in case of a further surge in cases during the winter.
ICU Capacity: There are concerns over the lack of ICU capacity i.e. specialized/ dedicated ICU staff. Many ICU units do not even have a specialist ICU doctor. There are concerns that intubating patients/ ventilating patients without the appropriate ICU capacity may be futile. Although very few COVID 19 cases have so far been admitted to ICU, it is understood that all of those who have been intubated and received ventilator support have died  ( noting that, globally, mortality rates for cases requiring ventilation is likely to be significantly higher than other for other cases ) .
As of 12 September, there are 841 confirmed cases of COVID 19 in NES  i.e. areas under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces  ( SDF ) . Of these, 513 cases are currently considered active, 282 have recovered and there have been 46 deaths. More information on the epidemiological situation in NES by area is provided under the next section. New confirmed cases continue to be concentrated in Hassakeh Governorate, with the highest weekly increase recorded in Derik  ( Malakiyeh )  District with 50 new confirmed cases  ( a 53% increase in confirmed cases week on week ) . The number of new confirmed cases recorded outside Hassakeh remains limited.
As of 12 September, there have so far been only two confirmed cases of COVID 19 among camp residents: a 25 year old woman from Areesha camp confirmed as positive on 25 August and a 29 year old Iraqi woman from Al Hole camp  ( Phase 7 )  confirmed as positive on 26 August. As of 12 September, both of these woman have recovered. Following the case confirmation, a 7 day lockdown was implemented for Areesha camp, while following some delays and challenges in implementing, Phase 7 of Al Hole camp was partially locked down for 7 days. Despite the absence of new confirmed cases among camp residents, there remains a significant risk and high likelihood of transmission in the camp
In recent weeks, following the decision of the Jazeera canton authorities to lift additional lockdown measure  ( including a curfew )  which had been in place in Hassakeh Governorate, the use of face coverings in public spaces has declined significantly. Anecdotally, local sources have suggested that before these additional lockdown measures were lifted on 28 August, over half of people were wearing face coverings; this has since declined to less than 10%. The low levels of risk consciousness/ awareness are a significant concern, especially given the high likelihood of widespread community transmission and exponential increase in cases without drastic changes in public attitudes and behaviour.
Border access for personnel: NGO staff are still able to cross the Fishkhabour / Semalka border every Tuesday. It is strongly recommended that humanitarian staff cross within 48 hours of receiving a negative PCR test in KRI. This will ensure that staff are subsequently exempted from mandatory quarantine and is also an additional safeguard to ensure that humanitarian staff are not contributing to the spread of COVID 19 in NES. At Semalka, Rapid Diagnostic Test  ( RDTs ) , which the NES Forum strongly advocates against the use of, will be administered; if the test returns positive  ( extremely unlikely )  NGO staff will be taken to Derek hospital for a PCR test and kept there for an undefined period of time.
Importation of medical equipment and PPEs: NES NGOs continue to face challenges in importing medical equipment and PPE from suppliers based in Iraq/ KRI. In the last week, at least two weeks multiple NGOs have reported challenges in exporting COVID 19 related supplies from KRI to NES, with the authorities deeming that certain supplies  ( e.g. face masks )  are required in country and cannot be explore. Overall, the restrictions on the KRI side are opaque, with no formal directive banning export of items. Some NGOs have had more success than others in navigating these ambiguities through direct negotiation with authorities, reducing quantities  ( i.e. dividing into individual shipments )  and other workarounds.
[ 28th April 2020, NW Syria ]  The situation in northwest Syria is just as bad or worse, with the almost complete decimation of the region's health care infrastructure, severe overcrowding in areas sheltering displaced civilians, and the threat of continued hostilities.
[ 6th october overall syria ]  According to Observatory statistics, the number of confirmed cases, since July 9 to date, rose to 1,379, including medical staff and doctors.
Quarantine in KRI: i )  On arrival to Erbil International Airport: staff are required to either arrive with a valid PCR test  ( administered within 48 hours of arrival )  or take a test at the airport. Even if the test is negative, 14 day selfquarantine  ( either at home/ guesthouse or one of several designated hotels for quarantine )  is mandatory as per MOH guidelines; ii )  On arrival to Dohuk via Fishkhabour/Semalka: same procedures as arrival via Erbil airport should apply. KRG authorities have informed the NES Forum that PCR testing will be available at the border. After staff have taken a test, they are required to isolate at home  ( NGO guesthouse or designated quarantine hotel )  for 14 days. There also remains an option to negotiate travel directly to the airport from the border.
Screening Procedures at POE: There remain significant gaps in screening capacity at POEs across NES. At the Semelka crossing point, the main crossing with KRI, Rapid Diagnostic Tests  ( RDT )  remain the principal tool for screening of arrivals. There is no routine clinical assessment of arrivals  ( e.g. temperature screening and basic assessment/ questionnaire on any symptoms ) , while the staff are technicians, not medical personnel  ( e.g. nurses or doctors )  without training to adequately carry out screening. In order to enhance capacity at POEs, the NES COVID 19 TC has prepared surveillance SOPs to guide screening at POEs  ( both primary temperature screening and secondary screening for symptoms )  which should be carried out by medical personnel. Additionally, a brochure containing general information on COVID 19, guidance on self quarantine and information on what to do if symptoms develop  ( this includes phone numbers to contact the helpline )  has been prepared for all arrivals to NES and shared with local authorities
In particular, prices of dishwashing soap decreased by 16% since July and laundry soap by 10%. The price of soap, used for handwashing and considered a preventive measure against COVID 19 by the World Health Organisation, decreased by 20% since July. The same price trend also applied to water trucking as the SMEB water trucking component decreased by 12% across NWS, reaching a median of 8,696 SYP
Over the past week, contact tracing in Derik has been suspended due to the large number of confirmed cases. This follows the suspension of contact tracing in Qamishli and Hassakeh earlier in August  ( with the exception of health workers and camps ) . As previously reported, contact tracing capacity is currently not at the levels required, with limited geographic coverage in some areas leaving contact tracing teams overstretched as they have to cover multiple areas. KRC has established contact tracing teams across all areas  ( excluding Deir ez Zor ) , through 14 core staff and with capacity to quickly scale up should this be required.
Camp isolation spaces: There continue to be significant gaps in camp level isolation spaces. These gaps are also contributing to reluctance and opposition among camp populations to move to the isolation areas. Key gaps include the establishment of a functional medical waste management system  ( including the installation of incinerators ) , the installation of partitions/ separators between the beds in the suspect case tents  ( e.g. Abu Khashab ) , SOPs for caregivers, the establishment of laundry area and, in multiple camps, the identification of a health partners to undertake the daily medical screening of cases. A fundamental challenge is around food provision in the isolation areas; consultations with the community have suggested that the absence of hot meals  ( i.e instead of Ready To Eat Rations )  has been a key driver of opposition to moving to isolation areas.
As reported, multiple suspect cases have died having been sent home from a health facility to either await the deployment of an RRT to collect a sample or to receive their test results. The NES Forum COVID 19 Technical Committee continues to advise the LHA to ensure that a more comprehensive assessment of patients is made which accounts for the possible deterioration in their condition, and also to identify designated isolation facilities for suspect cases.
[ 28th April 2020, NE Syria ]  Aid agencies have developed a Covid 19 awareness campaign planing camps and collective shelters.
The compounding effect of these forces culminated inrare civilian protestsin the Syrian capital. The protests began with economic demands but quickly turned into clashes, with supporters of Iran backed Hezbollahcalling for the downfallof the Assad government.
[ 28th April 2020,  NE Syria ]  According to the UN and interviews with aid agencies half of the displaced do not have sufficient access to services including health care, water, sanitation, and shelter.
As well as providing a weekly platform to update health partners and sector coordinators on COVID 19 related developments, the TF also supports engagement with the local authorities and addresses key cross cutting issues affecting health partners including infection prevention and control measures implemented at health facilities and among health workers as well as supply challenges
The NES Forum COVID 19 TF Technical Committee continues to support efforts to streamline and systematize case tracking and reporting. The Kurdish Red Crescent  ( KRC )  is overseeing case reporting, linking with the laboratory focal point to track new confirmed cases and recoveries as well as the local COVID Committees/ the Operations Desk  ( OD )  to track deaths
[ 13 January 2021, Hama, Idleb and Ar Raqqa ]  Essential items became much less affordable in markets located in areas that recently experienced conflict, specifically western Hama, southern Idleb and Ar Raqqa city.
[ 28th April 2020, NE Syria ]  To respond to the lack of testing kits for Covid 19, in March, the health authorities in northeast Syria repurposed test kits designed for other diseases such as polio and HIV.
Access to livelihoods and sources of income remains the most commonly reported priority need in Deir ez Zor, specifically in west and north line areas where it was the top reported need. Barriers to accessing livelihoods remain widespread, with a lack of job opportunities reported in almost 100% of assessed communities
After March 2020, significant increase in food security reported in NES and particularly in DEZ due to COVID19 and SYP devaluation impact, there remain extensive food gaps, particularly in north and east line areas. In DEZ overall, Irrigation canals remain a key gap, particularly in north line areas where the lack of functionality of irrigation systems is a fundamental barrier to agriculture. Despite access to livelihoods and sources of income being reported as a priority need, livelihood programming remains extremely limited
Moving forward, the HNAP assessment also indicates that relative to other areas of Syria, people in SDFcontrolled areas are less likely to receive information on COVID 19 via social media and that increased collaboration with local news/ media outlets might help increase uptake  ( 16% of respondents in SDF controlled areas reported that social media was their main source of information on COVID 19 versus 38% and 33% who reported local media and local authorities respectively as their main source of information.
[ 23rd September 2020, NW Syria ]  Meanwhile, the Syrian Interim Government yesterday gave a new tally of 654 positive cases, up from 422 a week earlier, including 251 recoveries and six deaths from 9,250 tests conducted. The SIG said that it has started a new campaign to sterilise camps in north Aleppo and Idlib.
A priority in both Al Hole and Areesha camp has been to step up awareness and understanding among the community around the measure which will be taken in response to the confirmed cases in the camp
The critical humanitarian situation is further compounded by a rise in insecurity and the impacts of COVID 19 and related restrictions
[ 27th October 2020, Overall Syria ]  The Prime Minister pointed out that the unjust economic blockade imposed on the Syrian citizens has also caused difficulties in terms of securing some basic requirements for the health sector and supplying necessary equipment and some medicines for chronic diseases.
[ 23rd September 2020, NW Syria ]  Finally, in government areas, 3,877 positive cases were recorded since the beginning of the pandemic in March, up from 3,614 last week, including 983 recoveries and 178 deaths, from 34,033 tests.
SA: As of 26 August, 1,317 swab samples  ( the majority from Hassakeh )  have been collected and transferred to the SA laboratories in Qamsihli and Tall Refaat for testing. The vast majority of these test have been administered since the end of July. Although almost 30% of all samples have tested positive  ( including the 89 samples taken prior to July ) , it should be noted that there are significant geographic variations with a majority of these tests carried out in Hassakeh, and a sizeable proportion administered to health workers. As such, the current breakdown of positive tests is unlikely to give an accurate overview of the infection prevalence among the community
It is understood that 24 of these samples have tested positive; 20 from Hassakeh  ( 1 death )  and 4 from Deir ez Zor  ( 1 death ) . Further information is being sought on these cases to understand whether they have also been recorded under the SA surveillance and testing mechanism.
[ 6th october overall syria ]  The death toll rise to 12 people. The breakdown of fatalities is as follows: an elderly woman in Al Dana town in Idlib countryside, another woman in Souran town in Aleppo countryside, a doctor in northern Aleppo countryside, an elderly man in al Bab, a 50 year old man in the city of Salqin in rural Idlib, four people in al Bab town in Aleppo countryside, a child in Idlib, an elderly man in northern Aleppo countryside and a man in Zugrra camp in eastern Aleppo countryside.
Despite the 23 July directive formally closing land border crossings into NES, regular non emergency crossings continue to occur. There continue to be communication and coordination challenges between the GoS and SDF, complicating efforts to effectively enforce this closure. In the period 11 24 August, HNAP recorded an estimated 2,940 crossing via the Tahya crossing point in Menbij as well as 1,540 crossings via Abu Assi, 8,000 via Akeirshi/ Shannan and 1,420 via Tabqa crossing points, all in Raqqa
As reported last week, there are over a hundred people being hosted in quarantine centres in Tabqa having recently crossed into NES from GoS areas. Conditions in these centres  ( one of which is a school building, with the two centres disused factory buildings )  are reportedly poor, with need for significant rehabilitation and provision of basic items such as beds, mattresses, hygiene kits and food assistance. It is understood that only two of these centres are currently activated, with capacity limitations  ( i.e. beds for 85 people only )  contributing to overcrowding.
In response to suspect cases in both Al Hole and Areesha, there were delays in deploying contact tracing teams due to multiple factors, including a lack of clarity around the basic SOPs to respond to confirmed/ suspect cases in camps, exposure of community health workers who comprise the contact tracing teams  ( resulting in new teams having to be trained at short notice )  and divergence from the standard contact tracing SOPs
Over the last week, training has been delivered to two of these NGOs, with additional capacity for contact tracing likely to be available from next week. There continue to be a number of other challenges  ( beyond the low number of contact tracing teams )  which are presenting challenges, particularly in camps
Rapid Response Teams: Across NES, the SA has established 7 Rapid Response Teams  ( RRTs )  responsible for case investigation and sample collection. Over the last week, KRC has also established an eighth RRT based in Hassakeh, specifically focusing on Al Hole camp and town. There continue to be significant challenges in terms of RRT activation  ( the responsibility of the local COVID Committees )  and deployment  ( i.e. in some cases unresponsive to alerts )  as well as the quality of the response from RRTs
PCR Testing Kits in NES: It is estimated that the SA currently have approximately 32,00 COVID 19 PCR tests in stock, equivalent to about 645 testing kits  ( each with 50 tests ) . In addition, at least two NGOs are planning to procure additional PCR testing kits; with one of these partners havingreceived approval to move ahead with the procurement of between 200 400 kits  ( 10,000 20,000 tests ) . While this additional capacity is welcome, there remains no established pipeline for mobilizing/ replenishing diagnostic supplies. The NES Forum continue to advocate for multiple modalities to supply diagnostic items to ensure there are sufficient stocks over the coming months.
As of 26 August, according to information shared by 11 NGOs, at least 8 NGO facilities  ( including KRC )  were closed while 217 NGO employed health workers  ( including KRC )  are in self quarantine/ self isolation. In terms of the adoption of preventative measures, key challenges include poor personal adherence to IPC among health workers, travel/ work between multiple health facilities, shortages of PPE, inadequate triage/ screening outside health facilities and, relatedly, the high volume of suspect cases who are visiting health facilities rather than reporting symptoms via the public hotline
Student returns: Between 19 21 August, a reported 3,054 students crossed back into NES via the Tahya crossing point in Menbij having crossed to GoS areas to sit their national exams. The Kurdish Red Crescent  ( KRC )  supported the screening of these students at the crossing point, distributed PPE  ( hand sanitizer and face mask )  and conducted basic awareness sessions
The NES COVID 19 Task Force continues to oversee collective COVID 19 preparedness and response efforts under the chairmanship of the NES Forum. Since the end of July, this Task Force  ( TF )  has resumed weekly meetings and brings together the work of three sub TFs  Risk Communication and Community Engagement  ( RCCE ) , Infection Prevention and Control  ( IPC )  and Case Management – which are driving key workstreams under these collective pillars
[ 28th October 2020, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Wednesday that 52 new coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, adding that 40 patients have recovered while 3 others have passed away.
EWARS: As of 15 August, at least 103 swab samples  ( Hassakeh 56, Deir ez Zor 46, Raqqa 1 )  are understood to have been collected in response to an undisclosed number of alerts received through the MoH/ WHO EWARS system.
Of these, at least 507 samples  ( as of 15/16 August, and including cases from April )  have so far been confirmed as positive; 24 case via the MOH/ EWARS mechanism, 5 cases via the EWARN mechanism and 478 cases via the SA mechanism  ( including at least 2 cases initially confirmed via EWARN ) . It should be noted that 3 of the cases from April were confirmed only after the individuals had recovered, with the SA conducting antibody tests following unofficial reports of positive PCR test results via the GoS mechanism some weeks earlier
Resources: As previously mentioned, community outreach and awareness materials have been circulated widely across all sectors and consolidated through a dedicated Syria COVID 19 Resources Dropbox folder  ( accessible to all partners, and also including the latest situation updates and sector specific guidance
A recent report by HNAP cautioned that, in SDF controlled areas, humanitarian organizations should be prepared that ‘community level adherence to public health measures will continue to decline' even if additional restrictions are imposed and that compliance to basic preventative measures  ( including stay at home and social distancing advice )  has declined significantly.
Surveillance Overview: As of 25 August, there have been at least 1,617 samples collected in response to alerts received through one of the three surveillance systems operational in NES to track reports of suspected cases, conduct case investigation and ultimately contain the spread of the virus
WFP's national reference food basket  ( FB )  price for August averaged SYP 83,938, decreasing by 3% compared to July. This is the first time the standard reference FB registers a month on month decline since August 2019  ( 12 month ago ) . Overall 12 governorates reported month on month reductions in their average FB price and two governorates reported increases
August FB prices have been relatively constant with minimal change. Between August week 1 and week 4, the national average reference food basket fell by 1.7%. The stabilization of prices was in large part due to falling prices especially of imported commodities of vegetable oil and sugar due to a more stable informal SYP/USD exchange rate as well as the arrival of the country's main harvest. Rural Damascus reported the largest decrease in average FB prices in August which fell by 10%  ( SYP 8,860 )  between August week 1 and August week 5.
Even though decreasing by 5% compared to July, Idleb's average reference FB price is still SYP 118,465 well above levels recorded just a few months ago. Lattakia recorded the next highest average reference food basket in August at SYP 88,477 followed by Rural Damascus at SYP 87,315. Deir ez Zor recorded the lowest average reference FB in August at SYP 72,678. August's national average reference FB price is 110% higher than in February 2020  ( 6 months ago ) , 230% higher than in October 2019  ( start of Lebanese financial crisis ) , and 244% higher year on year.
On 26 August: Syria resorts to exporting its vegetables by sea through Lattakia and Tartous ports to ensure produce reaches the destined Arab States due to the closure of the Syria – Jordan border. By 30 August: 2,703 COVID 19 confirmed cases in Syria with 614 recovered and 109 deaths. Number of confirmed COVID 19 cases increased from 757 on 31 July.
Sterilization takes place in the inspection areas and the lounges, which are being regularly sterilized. He indicated that there are no in flight meals, in accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Health. Mansour revealed that the last two rows of the plane are allocated to cases whose test results are not definitive. They are seated in the back in order to separate them from the other passengers and take the necessary measures which the cabin crew have been briefed on.
With the closure of land borders into Syria since 23 March due to the spread of COVID 19, a steady build up of returnees in No Man's Land was being witnessed. UNHCR in collaboration with UN agencies and the Ministry of Health continues to provide support in the fight against COVID 19 through the implementation of Shelter, WASH, Health and Protection activities in quarantine facilities such as Dweir and across Syria.
Mansour indicated that incoming travellers must take a PCR test, which is considered a “health passport', and should present it to the airline staff at the airport of the country they are coming from. Travellers are not allowed to board the plane if they are not in possession of the test results, which should be issued by approved health centers. The results are considered valid if they were done in the last 96 hours.
[ August 2020, Overall Syria ]  As the epidemiological situation across Syria has rapidly evolved over the past two months, rising patient numbers are adding pressure to the fragile health system. According to the MoH  ( Ministry of Health ) , 90 healthcare workers have tested positive for COVID 19, highlighting the exposure faced by them and underscoring the risk of the already overstretched healthcare capacity to be further compromised.
[ August 2020, Overall Syria ]   In August 2020, the results of the national 9th grade exams were announced: 3,884 UNRWA students  ( 2,095 female and 1,789 male )  had passed, achieving a 90.5 per cent success rate  ( 94.7 per cent female and 86.1 per cent male ) , compared to the national average rate of 68.65 per cent. The results are a testimony to the commitment of UNRWA staff and students to succeed despite all challenges
[ August 2020, Overall Syria ]  On 13 March, UNRWA had closed its 103 schools in Syria, in line with preventive measures taken by the Ministry of Education to mitigate the spread of COVID 19.
The economic health of households across Syria has deteriorated significantly between January and June 2020  61 percent of households were income insufficient in January, now estimates surpass 71 percent.
The coronavirus and its repercussions may have contributed to the slowing of civil war in Syria, but the humanitarian crisis facing its people may yet grow even worse.
The weekly exemption for NES NGOs to cross into/ out of NES via the Fishkabour Semalka crossing remains in place. In addition, as the main commercial hub, the Walid crossing remains open to transport imports into NES.
In addition, there are reportedly medical cases  ( non COVID )  who require additional care. In general, unless there is a clear humanitarian imperative to respond, NGOs are reluctant to prioritize POEs  ( including support to quarantine centres )  under their COVID response plans and maintain that responsibility for POE controls naturally falls under national/ local administrative entities. At the same time, the NES Forum continues to advise other non humanitarian stakeholders on possible support to enhance capacity at POEs
[ 13 January 2021, Syria ]  All business owners that purchased products in a foreign currency raised the price of those items in accordance with the exchange rate. An example of this are the prices of pharmaceuticals and poultry, which are set by the Syrian government and increase in accordance with the exchange rate, according to business owners interviewed in Syrian government held areas.
[ 4th November 2020,Damascus ]   Ninety per cent of Palestine refugees in Syria live in poverty and 40 per cent remain in protracted displacement. Their hardship has been exponentially exacerbated through the imposition of sanctions and the rapid spread of COVID 19 in refugee communities.
In 2020, assistance through cash and voucher modalities and the number of people with disabilities targeted has increased. A record amount of US$127 million dollars has been generously contributed by 15 donors since the beginning of the year. As of 20 August, the 2020 Syria HRP remains underfunded with 38 per cent of the total requirement funded halfway through the year, similar to the level reported earlier in July. Further funding is urgently needed.
[ 24th September 2020, Overall Syria ]  Response received for covid 19:  A batch was also delivered by China to the Ministry on 4th of the same month, while the first batch of the Chinese medical aid arrived in Syria on April 15th.
[ 24th September , Aleppo,Idlib  ]  Health authorities have recorded today 35 new cases of coronavirus in north western Syria, which is under the control of HTS and Turkish backed factions in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.
Damascus, SANA  Health Ministry announced on Monday that 30 new coronavirus  ( COVID 19 )  cases were registered in Syria, and that 12 ones have recovered, while 2 others have passed away.
[  4th October, Overall Syria ]  New covid cases: Health Ministry announced on Sunday that 37 new Coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, adding that 12 ones have recovered, while one other has passed away.
[ Saturday, 3 October 2020, Overall Syria ]    COVID 19 case increases in Northwest Syria have reached alarming levels, almost 100 new cases are being reported every single day as 2.7 million people remain displaced in the area.
In a statement to SANA, the ministry indicated that the infection toll of coronavirus in the country till now reached at 4102, of which 1074 have recovered while 194 ones have passed away.
[ August 2020, Overall Syria ]   Plans for the beginning of the new school year to start tentatively on 13 September are ongoing. Class formation is conducted taking into consideration preventative and physical distancing measures at schools.
[ August 2020, Overall Syria ]   On 25 August, TVET announced the admission of the new 2020/20201 scholastic year in Damascus and areas. COVID 19 prevention measures were put in place during the registration process.
However, the price of soap, used for handwashing and considered a preventive measure against COVID 19 by the World Health Organisation, increased by 13% since July. This price increase may also reflect an increased demand for these items in the COVID 19 environment
In April,testing was as low as 100 a day, with half of those in the capital, Damascus. By August, that had risen to300 a dayin only five testing centres. Of the reported cases, a mere 500 are from government controlled regions. Syria as a whole has reported far fewer cases than any other Middle Eastern country.
[ 24th September , Overall Syria  ]  While 75 cases have been recovered in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of recovery cases to 335.
[ Overall Syria, 3rd October ]   The number of cases have increased by 14 times since last month with over 1,000 positive cases recorded. Children on the move are at a higher risk than ever before
In addition, disruption of water supply could negatively impact on efforts to contain the spread of COVID 19 in the area.
[ Overall Syria, 3rd October ]    The health system in North West Syria is not capable of dealing with this crisis.
[ 6th September 2020, Overall Syria ] New covid cases/death: Ministry announced on Saturday that 37 new Coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, adding that 20 patients have recovered while 3 others have passed away.
Hassakeh: The first cases of COVID 19 in NES since April were confirmed in Qamishli city and Hassakeh city on the 23 July. Over the last month, the number of confirmed cases in both has continued to increase, with a total of 205 confirmed cases in Qamishli and 112 confirmed cases in Hassakeh as of 26 August
Public Hotline on COVID 19: As previously noted, under the leadership of KRC and the SA, a public hotline has been developed in NES to respond to queries from members of the public on COVID 19 and to follow up on suspect cases  ( i.e. those callers reporting symptoms consistent with COVID 19 ) .
There are also reports that many hospitals are turning away suspect COVID 19 cases, in some cases claiming that they do not have sufficient oxygen cylinder  ( while there are genuine supply shortages in multiple health facilities, in at least one case a hospital claimed they had insufficient oxygen to admit a suspect cases after an NGO had donated 56 oxygen cylinders  the suspect case subsequently died at her home )  .
Case Management Status: As previously reported, there remain significant gaps in isolation centre capacity across all areas of NES  ( see below bullet point ) . Although there are several centres which are partially operational, only 1 facility is considered to be fully functional i.e in line with minimum standards and operating at near full capacity  ( although it should be noted that not all beds are currently active )
Lifting the lockdown will further accelerate the rate of transmission, putting thousands more people at risk of COVID 19. Although Hassakeh is more prepared than in other areas of NES, there are only 2 COVID 19 isolation facilities which are operational and in line with minimum standards, meaning that the health system is ill equipped to respond to a rapid increase in COVID19 cases
[ Overall Syria, 3rd October ]    Due to the severe lack of testing capacities in the area and perceived underreporting, aid agencies on the ground fear that the actual number of positive cases is actually much higher.
Official reports suggest Syria is doing well, with160 deaths and 3,614 casesat the time of writing. But, as with manyauthoritarian countries, these figures seem too low, given the conditions in the country.
It is almost certain the numbers of coronavirus cases are grossly under reported. The deputy director for health in Damascus estimatesthe real number is 112,500 cases in Damascus alone. Poorly equipped hospitals are running out of supplies and, unfortunately, body bags.
[ 4th November 2020, Syria ]  According to Sowt Al Asima sources, the number of people who went to government hospitals to get the PCR test in Damascus increased between Oct. 20 – 25, 2020, by 25 percent
[ 5th October Overall Syria ]  Moreover, regime authorities continue misinformation and keeping the real number of deaths and infection cases with coronavirus secret.
[ 27th September 2020, Overall Syria ]  Total covid cases: The Ministry said in a statement that the total number of Coronavirus cases registered in Syria has reached 4072, of which 1062 patients have recovered and 192 have passed away.
[ 1st October, Overall Syria ]  Limited lockdown measures and low enforcement: As previously reported, life continues as normal across NES, with negligible adherence to personal preventative measures such as use of face coverings in public spaces and social distancing.
[ 1st October, Northeast Syria ]  As noted there have been 439 confirmed cases among health workers in NES. As of 30 September, according to information shared by 11 NGOs, 8 health facilities were fully closed  ( including 2 mobile clincs ) : 1 in Raqqa, 2 Deir ez Zor and 4 in Hassakeh
[ 1st October ]  A further 3 health facilities  ( 1 in Raqqa, 1 in Hassakeh and 1 in Deir ez Zor )  are partially operational, having scaledback services to a bare minimum in the face of COVID 19 related disruptions. At the same time, 122 health staff working for 8 NES NGOs are currently in self isolation or self quarantine
[ 1st October, overall Syria ]  Compared to the end of August, this represents a reduction in the level of disruption to NGO supported health facilities  ( suggesting that additional efforts to promote compliance, increase awareness and reduce work between multiple facilities are having an effect  see previous SitRep for more details ) , when 217 NGO employed health workers were in self isolation/ quarantine
[ September 2020,Overall Syria ]  The share of households facing challenges to access healthcare services has decreased by three percentage points compared with August 2020, reaching 12 percent in September, with a peak in Quneitra  ( 23 percent
[ 28th September 2020, Damascus ]  Containment measures in the airport: He added the authorities concerned have taken all operating measures, including checking the test document for detecting the Corona virus with a validity period of 96 hours, placing self sterilizing devices for passengers and bags, thermometers, increasing cleaning and sterilization periods around the clock, and placing ground signs to achieve spacing.
According to the latest statistics of the Syrian Observatory obtained from reliable medical sources within the regime forces' control areas, the number of people infected with the "Covid 19" virus reached about 25,950 confirmed cases, of which 3500 recovered, while 1330 people died, and the injuries are distributed throughout the various Syrian governorates, but the majority of the injuries and deaths It is mainly concentrated in Aleppo, Damascus and its countryside.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, as part of its keeping pace with the outbreak of the Corona epidemic within the areas of influence of the Syrian regime, has monitored the registration of more than 4,750 new infections during the past days throughout the entire Syrian governorates, amid recording 290 new deaths from the virus during the same period, and the governorates of Aleppo, Damascus and its countryside are still recording the largest part Of the cases, amid catastrophic medical conditions, in light of the Syrian regime continuing to lie and conceal the true figures of the number of injuries and deaths within its areas.
The month of July witnessed a rapid increase in the number of confirmed COVID 19 cases in Syria. In July, 532 cases were confirmed, compared to 157 cases in June and 79 cases in May. Limited COVID 19 testing masks the true scale of the outbreak, with reports of healthcare facilities lling up, rising death toll and indications that actual cases far exceed reported cases. As of 31 July 2020, nine Palestine refugees have tested positive for COVID 19.
Damascus, SANA –Health Ministry on Friday evening announced that 35 new Coronavirus  ( COVID 19 )  cases have been registered in Syria, and that 15 patients infected with the virus have recovered, while 2 patients have passed away.
Of the 4,845 tests carried as of 21 August, 59 people have tested positive for COVID 19 in northwest Syria. 46 patients have reportedly recovered – eight in Idleb and 14 in Harim districts in Idleb governorate, and 15 in Al Bab, one in Jarablus one in Afrin and seven in A'zaz districts in northern Aleppo governorate. Preliminary reports are being verified of one death due to COVID 19 in northwest Syria on 20 August There are 13 active COVID 19 cases in the Idleb area and northern Aleppo governorate.
Damascus, SANA –Health Ministry on Friday evening announced that 40 new Coronavirus  ( COVID 19 )  cases have been registered in Syria, and that 15 patients infected with the virus have recovered, while 3 patients have passed away.
[ 29th October 2020, Overall Syria ]  Humanitarian actors continue to receive reports that healthcare workers in some areas do not have sufficient PPE.
[ September 2020,Overall Syria ] Furthermore, approximately 46 percent of surveyed households reported not being able to purchase the necessary medicines in September, with the highest recorded among female headed households  ( 52 percent ) . The main impediments cited by Syrian households were lack of financial resources  ( 67 percent )  and shortage of medicines in pharmacie
Since mid August, the official count of all corona virus infections has increased dramatically with 3,800 reported cases and about 180 deaths.
[ 1st October, Overall Syria  ]  Meanwhile, 28 cases were recovered in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of recovered cases to 554.
[ 16th December, 2020, Overall Syria ]  In a statement to SANA, the ministry indicated that the total number of Coronavirus infections registered in the country till now has reached at 9603, out of which 4548 ones have recovered while 554 others have passed away.
[ 16th December, 2020, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Wednesday that 151 new Coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, adding that 54 patients have recovered while 11 others have passed away.
[ 1st October, overall Syria ]   NES Case Management Status: Across NES there are 21 COVID 19 facilities planned of which 10 are currently at least partially operational
[ September 2020,Overall Syria ] Also, overall four percent of surveyed households in September reported that movement restrictions were the main impediment for households to obtain remittances and food assistance, with the highest recorded among female headed households  ( nine percent ) .
[ March 2021, Overall Syria ]  In light of the increased reported numbers of COVID 19 in recent months, the RCCE Group is currently focused on strengthening coverage and effectiveness of public engagement on the ongoing risks of COVID 19, with interventions emphasizing preventive measures and health seeking behaviors and supporting linkages between community and health systems.
Reusable masks now cost more than two days of salary for average government employees. One Damascus resident recalled in an interview watching a man bending over in the street and picking up a used mask from the ground to reuse.
( Overall Syria, March August,2020 )  Additionally, access to elective surgeries and medical interventions was virtually blocked due to a suspension of service at many public hospitals.
[ 29th September, Syria ]  Eng. Muhib al Refaie, Director of Daraa Transport Department noted that about 300 trucks have been stuck on the Syrian side during the last two weeks since the Jordanian authorities sealed off Jaber crossing for reasons related to coronavirus and maintenance works.
Across Syria, mask wearing remains rare even in crowds. Big beach parties and concerts continued into this month, and mosques, along with schools, have reopened.
A spokesperson for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that there have been 42 positive tests among the 8,185 U.N. employees and their dependents in Syria and that “just over 200 staff and dependents have reported symptoms of covid 19, and have self isolated under medical guidance until they completed the quarantine period.
[ Overall Syria, 3rd October ]  UN reports have stated that people with COVID symptoms have not been seeking treatment, either due to fear of stigmatisation or of catching the virus in the medical facilities.
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[ September 2020,Overall Syria ]  However, 30 percent of returnees' households reported challenges to access markets  ( increased up by 15 percent from August 2020 ) , compared to 22 and 23 percent with IDPs and residents' households, respectively, in September
Syrians in government held areas have been airing their public health grievances on Facebook, the preferred social media platform. In one coronavirus focused group, someone questioned the official decision to reopen schools. Another person from the city of Aleppo said he didn't have money to buy enough masks for his child to go to school five days a week.
The Ministry said in a statement that the total number of Coronavirus cases registered in Syria has reached4001, of which 1028 patients have recovered and 185 have passed away.
[ Overall Syria, 3rd October ]  World Vision believes that for this to happen, fighting must immediately stop and health facilities must be strengthened to accommodate the growing number of cases in the country.
[ 15th October 2020, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Thursday that48new coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, and that 36 patients have recovered while 4 others have passed away.
[ 15th October 2020, Overall Syria ]  The ministry added in a statement that the total number of coronavirus infections registered in the country till now has reached at 4931, out of which 1425 ones have recovered while 238 others have passed away.
[ 17th September, Northeast Syria  ]  The local authorities have further indicated that face coverings in public spaces will be mandatory across all areas of NES. Local authorities have also postponed the 2020 2021 school year to 4 October
[ October 21,2020 Overall Syria ]  The Epidemiological Surveillance Laboratory recorded 216 new COVID 19 infections and one death out of 741 tests   the highest daily increase in cases to date, in the liberated areas, bringing the total number to 2,865
[ October 21,2020 Overall Syria ]  Mohammed Hallaj, the Director of the Syria Response Coordinators team, said that, “Unfortunately today brings the highest daily toll, as well as a decrease in the number of recoveries with only 44 people recovering today, bringing the number to 1,300. With 45 percent of cases still active, the risks are higher than ever.'
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ] Due to exchange rate volatility, the regional banking crisis and other factors, including knock on effects of COVID 19, in past months dramatic price rises have been recorded in many basic commodities
[ October 21,2020 Overall Syria ]  However, the most important reason remains the absent humanitarian response to the crisis. The liberated areas are in great need of cleaning supplies and disinfectants, masks and gloves, both for the people and for the medical staff,' said Hallaj.
[  December 3, Lattakia ]  It should be noted that the Ministry of Education decided to grant school principals flexibility to make any decision regarding the spread of the virus in their governorates in order to preserve the safety of students and teaching staff. The Ministry indicated that the rate of spread of the virus does not necessitate a suspension of working hours for the time being, as all public facilities have not been stopped, such as restaurants and universities.
[ 29th September 2020 , Overall Syria ]  International commercial passenger flights remain suspended – albeit with recently announced plans that international passenger flights will resume at Damascus International Airport from 1 October – however domestic flights are ongoing. Tartous and Lattakia ports remain operational, with precautionary measures.