nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
[ 29th September 2020 , Overall Syria ]  Of immediate and critical priority is $4.6 million needed to maintain laboratory pipelines  ( equipment, reagents and supplies )  until end 2020 by WHO; $7 million required for COVID 19 emergency medicines and $2.5 million for non COVID 19 emergency medicines; and $1.5 million needed to procure PPE vital to protect frontline workers.
[ 29th September 2020 , Overall Syria ]  Border closures, the volatility of the exchange rate  ( and banking challenges in Lebanon ) , and other factors that impact the import of certain medical supplies critical to an effective COVID 19 response are also a concern.
[ 29th September 2020 , Overall Syria ] Other materials, for example pumps, sterilization equipment and PPEs are in short supply in the local market, including due to wholesalers withdrawing supplies due to current exchange rate volatility, resulting in the inability of partners to procure items.
[ 29th September 2020 , Overall Syria ]  Within Syria, the financial requirements for the revised COVID 19 operational response plan have been revised to $192 million. Funding, however, remains a major concern with only $70 million raised to date.
All regions of Syria are experiencing the perfect storm of economic devastation, an unprecedented health crisis and growing fatigue of a 9 year conflict.
[ 23/Sep/2020 ]   [ Syria ]  The past couple of weeks have seen growing queues across state bakeries in Syria, highlighting the government's difficulties securing and distributing a key element of the Syrian diet.
Over 3.26 million households across Syria currently lack sufficient income to meet their basic needs
Of the new cases, UNRWA reported that five Palestine refugees had tested positive for COVID 19 in Damascus and Rural Damascus, including one man who sadly died on 6 July. In addition, on 7 July, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent  ( SARC )  reported one of its volunteers working in Dar'a, had tested positive for COVID 19.
North east Syria was the most significantly impacted, with a 50 percent increase in the number of income insufficient
Between January and June 2020, the presence of COVID 19 and subsequent mitigation measures have hindered access to basic services, restricted travel and affected the supply of goods.
( As Suwayda, 26/09/2020 )  The price of a water tanks ranges between five thousand Syrian Pounds  (  SYP  approximately 2.26 USD )  and eight thousand SYP  (  around $ 3.61 ) , A price not many people can afford because prices, compared to monthly incomes, are too high, especially given that one family needs at least four water tanks per month.
Three quarters of income insufficient households felt that COVID 19 inhibited them from achieving sufficient income
Although the 16 percent decline in households with sufficient income is likely attributable to the deterioration of the economy, the trend is particularly concerning considering the correlation between income sufficiency and engagement in COVID 19 mitigation efforts
As the disease spreads, adherence to precautionary measures remains limited, due in part to, the economic implications of social distancing, remaining at home  ( or out of the labor force )  and cost burden of basic COVID 19 mitigation tools  ( disinfectant, gloves, face masks, etc. ) .
In terms of humanitarian assistance, precautions enacted by humanitarian actors prior to the identification of COVID 19 cases in northwest Syria continue to be implemented and strengthened, to safeguard both staff and local communities. Work is ongoing to intensify interventions to strengthen infection prevention and control at health facilities as means to protect healthcare workers and prevent transmission from healthcare service delivery points, which is of high priority.
Only 57 percent of income insufficient households have increased general cleaning and disinfecting activities since the start of COVID 19, compared to 72 percent of income sufficient households.
People without adequate access to currencies in use risk being excluded from markets or facing higher prices for the same goods and services because of exchange rate disparities – further marginalising the more vulnerable members of society. Moreover, for humanitarian programmes inside northwest Syria, preservation of the value of assistance becomes more challenging due to fluctuating exchange rates and multiple currency conversions.
The value of the Syrian Pound  ( SYP )  in informal markets in northwest Syria fluctuated around 2,100 SYP per US Dollar for most of the last two weeks. As a result of the recent instability of the value of SYP and rapid devaluation, the Turkish Lira  ( TRY )  has been increasingly used as a transactional currency in northwest Syria, with basic commodities such as fuel, bread, transport and telecommunications services now priced in TRY.
[ 1st October, ]  In Raqqa District, there have been 129 new cases in the same period  ( a 211% increase ) , while the first cases have also recorded in Menbij. Overall, the number of confirmed cases does not provide an accurate reflection of infection prevalence
The economic crisis has disabled the import of essential goods, like food and medicine, all the while reducing access to financial capital and undermining the resilience of private and public industries.
[ 1st October,  ]  COVID 19 in camps: As of 28 September, there have been 7 confirmed )  cases of COVID 19 among camp residents: 2 in Al Hole and 1 in Areesha both of which have recovered.
Increased levels of military hostilities were observed in northwest Syria, particularly in the vicinity of frontlines in the Idleb area and in areas south of the M4 highway, with more frequent shelling reported since early July. On 18 August, several airstrikes were reported near Sheikh Bahr and Haranbush towns in Idleb governorate. While no injuries to civilians have been reported as a result of these airstrikes, several IDP settlements situated in proximity of the locations were impacted near Haranbush town. In addition to these hostilities, tensions involving non state armed groups continue to be reported, further undermining the security situation.
Concerns about the safety of civilians and humanitarian operations are deepened by incidents involving explosive hazards in northwest Syria. From 7 to 21 August, local sources reported some ten incidents in the Idleb and northern Aleppo areas, involving 5 improvised explosive devices  ( IED ) , one explosive remnant of war  ( ERW )  and four landmines, in which seven people including two children were reportedly killed and 13 people including three children were reportedly injured. Several other IED and ERW were reportedly dismantled over the same period.
The devaluation of the SYP intensifies the precarious economic situation and is worsened by the impacts of COVID 19. According to a survey by a UN partner, income loss, price increases, loss of humanitarian assistance and forced business closures were communities' main concerns about the economic impact of COVID 19 in northwest Syria. 36 percent of community focal points reported that living conditions for their communities worsened since the start of the pandemic.
These circumstances come atop widespread humanitarian need driven by hostilities and displacement, with northwest Syria hosting some 2.7 million displaced people. 220,000 people were recorded to have returned to their homes or previous places of displacement by a UN partner between January and July 2020, mostly to areas around the M4 and west of the M5 highway in the southern and eastern Idleb area – areas that have seen an increase in hostilities in recent weeks.
In NES, as of 9 January, there have been 8,227 laboratory confirmed cases of COVID 19 in NES, comprising 6,786 active cases, 1,158 recoveries and 283 deaths. Seven hundred sixty one of all confirmed cases  ( 9 per cent of total )  have been amongst health workers. Forty per cent of all samples tested have returned positive.
[ 1st October 2020, Syria ]  Syria on Thursday reopened Damascus airport for regular international commercial traffic after a six month halt due to the coronavirus pandemic, saying it had imposed strict health measures inside the facility, Reuters reports.
Findings from an assessment by an NGO found that in 72 percent of communities assessed, prevalence of destroyed shelters were reported, compared to 27 percent across northwest Syria, driving overcrowding in available shelters and illustrating the difficult conditions facing returnees.
[ 1st October 2020, Syria ]  Airport officials said national flag carrier Syrian Airlines would initially resume scheduled flights to regional destinations including Cairo and Beirut, with a weekly flight to Khartoum and adhoc flights to Kuwait.
[ 13th October 2020, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Tuesday that 52 new coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, adding that 33 patients have recovered while 3 others have passed away.
[ 13th October 2020, Overall Syria ]  In a statement to SANA, the ministry indicated that the total number of coronavirus infections registered in the country so far has reached at 4826, out of which 1364 ones have recovered while 231 others have passed away.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  Those unable to present such a document are quarantined. The GoS further announced that Syrians wishing to transit through Lebanon abroad must reach the borders no more than 24 hours before their flight and within 96 hours of a negative PCR test
[ 17 March 2021, GoS ]  The Syrian government finally kicked off its vaccination campaign against the novel coronavirus in the war torn country last week. Al Jazeera learned through reliable sources that Bashar al Assad's government received 5,000 doses from a country it refused to name and simply described as “friendly'. The first jabs were given to front line health workers spread across several main hospitals in the country. But many in government controlled and rebel held areas are worried they might be left out of the vaccination drive if it is carried out without any international oversight.
[ 17th September Northeast Syria ]  In NES, on 28 August, citing economic and social reasons, local authorities largely lifted general preventive measures imposed on 23 July, allowing shops/services and local authority departments to reopen, and movement between towns, cities and district
In north west Syria, reported incidents of rape are on the increase, which does not necessarily mean an increase in prevalence but signifies an improvement in the quality of services. GBV experts in north west Syria noted the increase in males, especially boys, disclosing and seeking care through GBV specialised services.
New GBV trends identified this year, especially in areas of north west Syria, are sex selected abortion to ensure having sons, forced pregnancy to bridge a perceived demographic gap and forced puberty of girls, the process of giving girls hormones so that they reach puberty earlier and get married earlier.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  However, July's national average food basket price was still 131 per cent higher than in January 2020  ( six months ago ) , and 251 per cent higher than the same time last year. Overall, the current price is 22.8 times higher than the average price recorded in 2010.
Overwhelmingly, the fear of violence has been identified as a reason for not sending children – and particularly daughters – to school. The violence noted included kidnapping and subsequently sexual violence, sexual harassment on the way to school as well as within school grounds, and physical and sexual harassment by staff.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  As reported earlier, according to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor  ( MoSAL ) , more than 320,000 people registered for the National Campaign for Emergency Social Response for assistance due to work lost as a result of COVID 19 preventive measures.Of these, 91 per cent are daily labourers, 10.9 per cent are older persons, and 8 per cent are people with disabilities. To date, reports indicate MoSAL have disbursed one time payments  ( SYP 100,000 )  to about 40,000 people
On 27 September, schools have re opened and local authorities have put in place mitigation measures to reduce overcrowding as well as encourage good hygiene and physical distancing practices. After local authorities lifted the ban on mass gatherings, lockdown measures are not foreseen, including in IDP camps; humanitarian partners have thus advocated for enhanced risk mitigation measures amid reports of low adherence to basic preventive measures.
[ 22nd September 2020, Idlib and Aleppo ]  According to Mohamad Hallaj, manger of the Syrian Response Coordination Group – a group of humanitarian volunteers that mainly operate in Idlib and Aleppo – the number of cases within the camps reached 51 over the weekend across 20 camps in the area.
[ 1st October, Northeast  Syria ] Trend analysis and overview: In the two weeks between 16 September and 30 September, the number of confirmed COVID 19 cases in NES has increased by 66%, up from 1,008 confirmed cases as of 16 September  ( 647 active cases, 313 recoveries and 48 fatalities )  to 1,670 confirmed cases as of 30 September  ( 1,165 active cases, 439 recoveries and 67 fatalities )
[ 1st October, Overall Syria ]  The number of samples tested per day has remained at previous levels  ( if not marginally declined ) , with an average of 115 samples tested per day in the 7 days up to 30 September. The absence of a marked increase in the 7 day rolling average, let alone an exponential increase that would be expected at this stage of the outbreak, does not mean that widespread community transmission and an exponential increase in transmission is not occurring
[ 1st October, Overall Syria ]  Key challenges include low levels of compliance with personal preventative measures including improper use of PPE and lack of distancing among staff, inadequate screening/ triage at the entrance to health facilities, self referral of suspect cases to health facilities  ( instead of reporting symptoms remotely via the OD ) , movement of health workers between multiple facilities and, in some cases, reported shortages of Personal Protective Equipment  ( PPE )
[ 1st October, Overall Syria ]  On 27 September, schools officially reopened. As part of the SA's safe reopening strategy for schools, mitigation measures to reduce overcrowding  ( such as operating in 3 shifts instead of 2 and implementing one student per desk ) , screening at the entrance to schools, supervised hand washing and use of face coverings have all been adopted
[ 22nd September 2020, North Syria ]  – Displacement camps in northern Syria are in desperate need of more sanitation and testing facilities as the ‘invisible enemy' of coronavirus spreads, threatening hundreds of thousands of people who already face dire living conditions.
[ 1st October, North East syria  ]  Detection capacity is weak across NES, but particularly in areas outside Hassakeh. This has resulted in significant under testing. Overall, as of 30 September, 35% of all samples are testing positive, an increase from 35% of samples as of 16 September.
[ 22nd September 2020, North Syria ]  The civilian infection rate in camps has reached 11 per cent of total infections in northern Syria,' Mr Hallaj told The National, adding that local and international humanitarian organisations must do more to provide more hygiene facilities for the camps.
[ 1st October, Overall Syria ]   More information on the epidemiological situation in NES by area is provided under the next section. While the majority of new confirmed cases have been concentrated in Hassakeh, with 423 new confirmed cases in the past 2 weeks  ( a 53% increase ) , the upward trend of increased transmission in other areas has also continued
[ 2th october,2020 Overall Syria ]  While 54 cases have been recovered in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of recovery cases to 608.
[ 22nd September 2020, Idlib ]  Idlib reported it first case in mid July. On Monday, 26 new cases were recorded, bringing the total to 640 from 9,045 PCR tests and 6 deaths.
[ 1st October, Overall Syria ]   Low levels of case detection are linked to under reporting due to social stigma, misapplication of the case definition/ clinical screening protocols and challenges in activating the RRTs. The high risk of undetected transmission is compounded by the limited adherence to preventative measures  ( and limited enforcement of these measures )  which makes transmission more likely, low case management capacity and continued high levels of transmission among health workers
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ] An inter agency socio economic impact assessment of COVID 19 involving UNDP, WFP, UNICEF, UNFPA, FAO and UNRWA has been completed. Findings indicate a major economic downturn and significant social impacts, amplified by the ongoing financial crisis in Lebanon
[ 2th october,2020 Overall Syria ] According to Observatory statistics, the number of confirmed cases, since July 9 to date, rose to 1,175, including medical staff and doctors.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  As a result of the multiple crises  ( including but not solely COVID 19 ) , a permanent loss of 200,000 300,000 jobs is estimated. The informal sector and businesses have been heavily impacted, with 15 per cent of small and medium sized business reporting permanent closure. In addition, remittances – on which many families heavily rely – are estimated to have reduced up to 50 per cent
[ 1st October, Overall Syria ]  In addition, there have been tens of cases among health workers and other non resident staff working in camps. As previously reported, key challenges in relation to COVID 19 risk mitigation and response capacity include the total lack of screening procedures at the entrance to some camps, poor adherence to lockdown/ preventative measures, underreporting of symptoms  ( especially when mild )  among the camp population, low contact tracing capacity, the lack of dedicated quarantine capacity in all camps and the limited readiness of isolation areas in most camps  ( gaps including partitions for suspect cases, medical waste disposal capacity i.e. incinerator, laundry area and WASH infrastructure ) , with many people refusing to relocate to the isolation area
[ 22nd September 2020, North Syria ]  However, civilians are increasingly concerned about the inability of local and medical authorities to take preventive measures to limit the spread of the disease, especially with the lack of medical facilities in the are due to regime bombing that destroyed dozens of hospitals.
[ Overall Syria, 3rd October ]   We desperately need support to improve testing capacity, preventive equipment and surveillance systems. Without increased international aid Syrian children and their families, who have been forced from their homes and have endured almost ten years of conflict, will suffer even more.
[ 6th october NorthWest Syria ]  Health authorities have recorded today 85 new coronavirus cases in north western Syria, which is under the control of HTS and Turkish backed factions in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.
[ February 11, Tartous ]  The General Director of Al Bassel Hospital in Tartous, dr. Iskandar Ammar said that the number of suspected cases of Coronavirus is decreasing and decreasing significantly during the past period, at a rate of more than 60%, while the occupancy rate of the isolation section reached 25% compared to the past two months, reaching 95%, revealing that most of the existing cases are from the elderly and chronic diseases
[ 1st October, overall Syria ]  Overall, 74% of callers  ( 2,456 )  contacted the hotline to report symptoms, 22% of callers  ( 740 )  were confirmed COVID cases requesting assistance and 2% of callers  ( 52 )  were requesting information on COVID 19.
[ 1st October, overall Syria ]  Further information is currently being compiled on the response to callers with symptoms  ( i.e. RRT deployment, and PCR test status ) , however of these 3,301 callers 41 were immediately referred to one of the COVID 19 isolation facilities
[ 22nd September 2020, North Syria ]  The minister said that reports indicate that citizens are not responding to the awareness campaigns and were not wearing masks or following other safety measures, but that the SIG were unable to impose a curfew due to widespread poverty, which means people need to go to work to make a living.
[ 1st October, Overall Syria ]  Imported supplies from overseas: Erbil International airport is open for both commercial and cargo flights. As KRG is still operating at approximately 30% capacity due to COVID restrictions, bureaucratic delays in organizing cargo flights and obtaining NGO tax exemptions remain very common
( NW Syria June 2020 )  In June 1,182 trucks passed through Bab al Hawa crossing point and 397 trucks through Bab al Salam.
( Syria, September )  The doctor added that the “ventilator' costs about 450,000 Syrian Pounds  ( SYP  around 208 USD ) per day in private hospitals that do not receive “Coronavirus' patients. This has compelled patients' families to search for other ways to get a bed in the hospital, where some workers take advantage of patients' need for a “ventilator' to get bribes.
[ 1st October, North East Syria ]  ii )  On arrival to Dohuk via Fishkhabour/Semalka: PCR testing is available at the border for a fee, but the results of the test cannot be used to provide negative status for airlines  ( e.g. Qatar )  as no certificate is provided and the testing centre is not on the airlines' approved list. Reportedly, staff can decline to take this test if they are planning to take a PCR test in Dohuk or Erbil instead
[ 1st October, overall Syria ]  As previously mentioned, there are concerns around people entering SDF controlled areas from GoS areas via informal crossing points, given the absence of any monitoring/ screening mechanisms in place. It is understood that the first 2 confirmed cases of COVID 19 in Deir ez Zor had entered NES from GoS areas via an informal crossing point
[ 1st October, overall Syria ]  In addition, following the lifting of the ban on mass gatherings  ( including condolence tents ) , a funeral reportedly went ahead for one of the COVID 19 fatalities during the past week, with a high risk that this mass gathering could contribute to further transmission
[ 1st October, Northeast Syria ]  As well as leading these work streams, the local COVID Committees should help ensure implementation of a coherent approach  ( based on common standards )  across NES. To this end, designated focal points have been identified to strengthen linkages between the local COVID committees and the central Technical Committee.
[ June 2020, Syria ]  World Food Programme estimates that 9.3 million Syrians are now food insecure – with an increase of 1.4 million in the last six months alone.
[ 3 Nov 2020 ]   [ NWS ]  New cases: 524 | Total cases: 7059 | New tests: 1330 | Total tests: 29618 | New recoveries: 104 | Total recoveries: 2728 | Total active cases: 4213 | New deaths: 0 | Total deaths: 42
[ 1st October, Northeast Syria ]  People are not fully informed of the likely scale of undetected transmission and the prospect that the situation worsens.
The Central Bank of Syria allowed local banks to resume lending facilities to their clients on September 08 after a suspension of three months.By authorising lending again, the CBS hopes to boost economic activity, which has struggled since the beginning of the pandemic.
[ 1st October ]   Raqqa: There has been a marked increase in the number of cases in Raqqa over the past two weeks. During this period there have been 129 new confirmed cases in Raqqa  (  a211% increase )
[ 1st October, Overall   Syria ]  In addition, HNAP report that in the majority of sub districts outside of Hassakeh ‘going to the hospital' was still reported as the main course of action if a household member falls ill
[ 29 April 2021, Overall Syria ]  Exchange companies are now allowed to deliver incoming remittances in Syrian or US dollars, reports Baladi News. A source in a money exchange company licensed to operate in the local market confirmed that exchange companies were allowed to deliver the incoming remittances from outside the country according to the choice of the sender of the remittance, either in Syrian pounds or foreign currencies  ( dollars ) . He explained that this procedure is limited to businesspersons and does not apply to ordinary citizens, who can receive their remittances in pounds only and at a price of 2,825 pounds per dollar. The market price for a dollar is 3,200.
[ 1st October, Northeast Syria ]  Limited enforcement measure  ( e.g. reinstating bans on mass gatherings, restricting access to public facilities without face coverings and curfews )  should be considered to generate increased uptake and alter risk perceptions
[ 1st October, overall Syria ]  One third of these cases have been among health workers in two Primary Healthcare Centres in the District, while a cluster of cases have also been reported in one of the two Menbij camps. In Kobane, there have been 42 new cases over the past two weeks  ( an increase of 162% )
[ 1st October, overall Syria ]  While the majority of these new cases reflect general community transmission, there have been reports contamination at some health facilities  ( i.e. health staff continuing to work although a family member has been confirmed as positive
[ Overall Syria, 3rd October ]  Child focused aid agency World Vision warns that unless the already weakened health system receives immediate international support, the situation will become dramatically worse very quickly.
EWARN: As of 28 September, there have been 466 tests conducted in NES in response to alerts received through the EWARN system
[ 24th September 2020, Overall Syria ] Response received for covid 19: In the framework of the distinguished relations between Syria and China, Health Ministry on Thursday received a new batch of medical aid presented by People's Republic of China to support the health sector in tackling Coronavirus ( COVID 19 ) .
[ 29th October 2020, Overall Syria ]  Given that even the most advanced health systems globally have been quickly overwhelmed, the priority remains on providing support to and reinforcing isolation facilities
[ 1st October, overall Syria ]  It is understood that 55 of these samples have tested positive; 35 from Hassakeh  ( 3 deaths ) , 7 from Raqqa and 13 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.
[ 1st October, Overall Syria ]  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, staff are still required to sign a document at the airport committing to 14 day self quarantine  ( either at home/ guesthouse or one of several designated hotels for quarantine )
[ 1st October, overall Syria ]  In addition, KRC continue to develop multimedia material for social media and television to maximize the reach of COVID 19 messaging
[ 1st October, overall Syria ]   These samples have been transferred to Idleb for testing, with 54 samples testing positive: 10 in Hassakeh, 15 in Raqqa and 29 in Deir ez Zor. It is understood that the EWARN team alerts the SA whenever suspect cases are identified, with samples subsequently collected via EWARN and SA
[ 1st October, overall Syria ] Of these, at least 1,779 samples  ( not including 2 samples collected and tested via SA mechanism in April )  have so far been confirmed as positive; 55 case via the MOH/ EWARS mechanism, 54 cases via the EWARN mechanism and 1,670 cases via the SA mechanism ) .
[ 1st October, overall Syria ]  Surveillance Overview: As of 30 September, there have been at least 5,381 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.
[ 1st October, overall Syria ]  The vast majority of these test have been administered since the end of July. It should be noted that there are significant geographic variations in the quantity of samples collected with a majority of these tests carried out on samples collected from Hassakeh, and a sizeable proportion of tests administered to health workers
[ 26 March, 2021, NWS ]  On livestock, the limited availability of pasture and high costs of animal feed present a major challenge to all livestock owners.
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ]  Meanwhile, under resourced medical professionals say they have to perform their duties under the watchful eye of the powerful security services roaming state run healthcare facilities.
[ January 2021, Ar Raqqa Governorate ]   [ Mahmoudli Camp Overview: No. of Individual: 10,277 ]  In Mahmoudli Camp, Camp management KIs reported that living conditions not allowing for social distancing and community members being unsure of the reasons why to social distance was the main issue the population experienced related to social distancing.
NWS: protective measures Measure: Control of borders and crossing points What have been done so far: All official crossing points with the Government of Syria and the AANES areas have been closed from mid March 2020. The Bab Al Hawa border with Turkey has been restricted from the Turkish side with very minimum cross border activities for trade and humanitarian supplies.
[ 1st October, 2020, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Thursday that 47 new coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, adding that 14 ones have recovered, while 2 others have passed away.
NWS: protective measures Measure: Social distancing What have been done so far: All health actors have been asking people to stay at home, where possible, and reduce social gatherings and events. All schools were closed. However, this measure has been challenging considering the high poverty rate, high population and household density, some social and cultural practices that involve high number of people such as funerals and congregational prayer. Engaging with various local actors including the local councils, community and religious leaders was key to overcome some of these challenges.
[ 17th September  ]  Al Bukamal Al Quaem crossing is reported open for commercial and military movements; Ras al Ain border crossing remains closed except in limited circumstances
[ 10th dec, 2020, Dar'a Southern Syria ]  The government has exacerbated medical and health conditions in Daraa province and disrupted humanitarian access for more than half a million civilians, Physicians for Human Rights  ( PHR ) , a US based human rights organisation, said in a report released on Tuesday.
[  4th October, Overall Syria ] Total cases: In a statement to SANA, the Ministry indicated that the infection toll of Coronavirus cases that were registered in the country reached at 4366 cases, of which 1055 ones have recovered while 205 others have passed away.
[ 4th October, 2020, Overall Syria ]  In a statement to SANA, the Ministry indicated that the infections' toll of Coronavirus in the country reached till now 4329, of which 1143 ones have recovered while 204 have passed away.
[ 5th October, Overall Syria ]  New covid case update: Health Ministry announced on Monday that 45 new coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, adding that 13 patients have recovered while 2 others have passed away.
[ 10th dec, 2020, Dar'a Southern Syria ]  The Syrian government has obstructed humanitarian aid and deliberately neglected the medical care system in southern Syria, causing a health crisis, a global human rights group has revealed.
As of 12 September, the MoH reported around 34,033 tests have been conducted by the Central Public Health Laboratory  ( CPHL )  in Damascus and the public health laboratories in Aleppo, Lattakia and Homs.
[ 28 Oct 2020 ]   [ NWS ]  New cases: 301 | Total cases: 4738 | New tests: 760 | Total tests: 23233 | New recoveries: 126 | Total recoveries: 2096 | Total active cases: 2591 | New deaths: 0 | Total deaths: 42
[ 27 Oct 2020 ]   [ NWS ]  New cases: 156 | Total cases: 4437 | New tests: 391 | Total tests: 22473 | New recoveries: 115 | Total recoveries: 1970 | Total active cases: 2421 | New deaths: 0 | Total deaths: 42
[ 10th dec, 2020, Dar'a Southern Syria ]  There is a significant shortage of equipment and medicines, most of the doctors have been displaced, and the others have been dismissed on the pretext that they worked with the opposition.
[ 1st October 2020, Syria ]  The country has confirmed 4,200 cases of the new coronavirus with 200 deaths since the first case was reported on March 22.
[ 27th September 2020, Overall Syria ]  New covid cases/deaths: Health Ministry on Sunday announced that 34 new Coronaviruses  ( COVID 19 )  cases have been registered in Syria, and that 14 patients infected with the virus have recovered, while 4 patients have passed away.
[ October 2020, Overall Syria ]  Around 1,600 refugee families across Syria were added to the list of eligible refugees this year.
[ September 2020, Overall Syria ]  The COVID 19 pandemic has further destabilized public health systems already weakened by war and natural disasters in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Gaza, Occupied Palestinian Territories and other countries in the region, which sorely lack adequate facilities, equipment and sufficient human resources.
[ March 2020, Rukban ]  Covid restriction affecting humanitarian actors: Alongside the blockade imposed on al Rukban by the government and Russian forces, precautionary measures against the novel coronavirus  ( COVID 19 )  caused the closure of the UNICEF medical point on the Jordanian side of the border in March.
[ 1st October 2020, Damascus, Syria ]  After Months of suspension due to Coronavirus pandemic, the first flight of the Syrian Arab Airlines on Thursday left from Damascus International Airport towards Cairo, carrying 130 passengers onboard, marking the re opening of air traffic to and from the airport for passengers amid health measures to ensure safe air traffic.
[ September 2020, Aleppo ]   About 1,000 students arrived in Aleppo this summer to take their baccalaureate exams. To help with their stay, the ICRC and SARC rehabilitated sanitation facilities at a school, and provided water and some basic food
[ 26 Oct 2020 ]   [ NWS ]  New cases: 91 | Total cases: 4281 | New tests: 285| Total tests: 22082 | New recoveries: 107 | Total recoveries: 1857 | Total active cases: 2384 | New deaths: 0 | Total deaths: 21
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ]  With more than 80 percent of the population living below the poverty line, the increase in the price of basic goods prompted sporadic protests over Syria's summer as a new wave of United States sanctions heaped further pressure on the crippled economy.
[ September 2020, Overall Syria ]  While children are returning to school amid COVID 19 restrictions or resuming their lessons online, many children in war torn countries are struggling to continue their education. We did our part to help children continue their studies in Syria.
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ]  To fill in the gaps, coronavirus related Facebook groups where doctors offer medical advice have sprung up online – as has happened with businesses renting oxygen tanks to patients for home use.
[ 1st October, Northeast Syria ]  Spread of COVID 19 across NES: As of 30 September, there are 1,670 confirmed cases of COVID 19 in NES  i.e. areas under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces  ( SDF ) . Of these, 1,164 cases are currently considered active, 439 have recovered and there have been 67 deaths.
[ 26 March, 2021, NWS ]  Health care workers and high risk population groups  ( with associated chronic comorbidities ) , in addition to other cluster frontline workers  ( depending on availability )  should be prioritized in phase one of the vaccination roll out for northwest Syria.
[ 1st October 2020, Syria ]  Commercial flights were suspended on March 25, just a few days after Syria reported its first COVID 19 infection, which medics and UN officials said was linked to Shi'ite pilgrims who travelled by air from Iran.
[ 1st October, Overall Syria ]  While there has been an increase in testing in some areas, under testing due to limited testing capacity and, most immediately, low detection capacity remains a challenge
[ 1st October, Overall Syria ]  Transmission among/ through health workers: As of 30 September, 242 of the 1,670 confirmed cases of COVID19  ( 14% of all cases )  were recorded amongst health workers  ( there is a high likelihood of significant unreported transmission among health workers )
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ]  The financial turmoil has been compounded by a steep drop in the value of the Syrian pound, which has made life even harder for millions of long suffering Syrians who survive on daily wages
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  Nevertheless, given the limited testing across Syria, it is therefore likely that the actual number of cases may far exceed official figures
[ 6th 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 4038, of which 1048 patients have recovered and 188 have passed away.
[ 17th September  ]  In particular, it is likely significant numbers of asymptomatic and mild cases are going undetected. Contact tracing has also emerged as a particular challenge, including in more remote governorates and camps
[ 1st October, 2020 Damascus ]  After Months of suspension due to Coronavirus pandemic, the first flight of the Syrian Arab Airlines on Thursday left from Damascus International Airport towards Cairo, carrying 130 passengers onboard, marking the re opening of air traffic to and from the airport for passengers amid health measures to ensure safe air traffic.
[ 1 8 February 2021, NES ]  Between January and February, the informal USD/SYP regional median exchange rate increased by 6%, reaching a regional median of 3,035 USD/SYP. The highest exchange rate was recorded at 3,300 SYP for 1 USD in Hdadiyeh, in Al Hasakeh governorate.
[ 5th October Overall Syria ]  Reliable medical sources in regime controlled areas have informed SOHR that nearly 3,800 new Covid 19 cases were recorded in the past few days, while 235 other cases died of the virus in the same period.
[ 14th ctober 2020, NW Syria ]  These numbers remain well below the estimated actual number of people who are positive, because the number of tests is exceedingly small. The MoH of the SIG estimates that around 64,000 people are at critical risk of infection and urged NGOs and UN agencies to help more
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ]  In May, despite an uptick in infections a month after businesses and public markets were allowed to reopen, authorities lifted a two month night time curfew and permitted movement between government held provinces.
[ 5th October Overall Syria ]   According to SOHR latest statistics, based on reports obtained from reliable medical sources in regime controlled areas, the total number of confirmed Covid 19 cases has reached nearly 33,850, of whom 4,800 recovered, and 1,845 died.
[ 20 Oct 2020 ]   [ NWS ]  New cases: 325 | Total cases: 3190 | New tests: 841 | Total tests: 18,917 | New recoveries: 71 | Total recoveries: 1371 | Total active cases: 1787 | New deaths: 0 | Total deaths: 21
[ 14th ctober 2020, NW Syria ] The Syrian Interim Government declared Al Bab "a disaster area" on October 11, as the town represents an estimated two thirds of confirmed Covid 19 cases in the northern Aleppo and Idlib areas.
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ]  Doctors, patients in gov't held areas describe challenges of coping with coronavirus pandemic in a country ravaged by years of war and economic hardship.
[ 17th September Northeast Syria ]  Within the reporting period, another laboratory in Rural Damascus has come online. The UN continues to advocate for the enhancement of laboratory and case investigation capacity across Syria, including in NES, and the timely communication of all relevant public health information.
[ 14th October 2020,Overall Syria ]  On October 14, the MoH records showed a total of 4,826 positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic, up from 4,457 a week earlier, equivalent to an increase of 8.3 percent. Of these, 3,231 are still positive, 1,364 recovered, and 231 died
[ 14th ctober 2020,Overall Syria ] Meanwhile, humanitarian actors, such as the WHO and OCHA, reported last week that healthcare workers in some areas do not have sufficient personal protective equipment  ( PPE )
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ]  The Syrian economy has been in free fall in recent months, buckling under the weight of the country's long running conflict and the impact of a dollar liquidity crisis next door in Lebanon.
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ]  There is a huge gap between the actual number  [ of cases and deaths ]  and the one announced by the government due to its lack of resources and capacity to receive patients, but also because it wants to mitigate any unexpected impact of the pandemic, like social unrest
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ]  Chronic shortages of medical equipment and supplies – along with poor conditions at quarantine facilities, the need to earn a living and deep distrust towards state institutions after more than nine years of conflict – have all resulted in many suspected patients not reporting symptoms associated with the respiratory disease.
[ 17th September, Overall Syria  ] In total, 889 new cases have been announced since the last report. The MoH has also announced 163 fatalities, representing an increase of 54 since 1 September, or one third of all reported deaths. In addition, 889 recoveries were announced
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ]  The economic sanctions which are coercive and unfair have been impeding the capacities of many essential services, in particular healthcare services,' Syrian Minister of Health Nizar Yazigi told a virtual meeting of the World Health Organization  ( WHO )  in May, referring to the punitive economic measures imposed by Western countries
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ]  This, some say, acts as a further deterrent for patients already reluctant to seek treatment in a country where fear of the state apparatus runs high and any critical discussions about the handling of the pandemic could be seen as a threat to a government determined to convey a message of control.
[ October 2020, Overall Syria ]  Distribution of ATM cards was slowed or halted in late March due to limits on public gatherings, social distancing, and lockdown and movement restrictions between cities and rural areas due to the pandemic
[ 17th September  ]  In Syria, 3,654 laboratory confirmed cases have been reported by the MoH to date: three in Ar Raqqa; 13 in Deir ez Zor; 26 in Al Hasakeh; 76 in Dar'a; 76 in Quneitra; 103 in Tartous; 128 in As Sweida; 133 in Hama; 255 in Homs; 318 in Rural Damascus; 401 in Lattakia; 819 in Aleppo; and 1,303 in Damascus
[ 17th September, Overall Syria  ]  Most land borders into Syria remain closed, with some limited exemptions  ( from Turkey and Lebanon )  including commercial and relief shipments, and movement of humanitarian and international organization personnel
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ]  The health ministry is taking only formalities, no  [ real ]  measures were adopted  [ to curb the spread of coronavirus ] , especially now,' said Jamal*, another doctor at a Damascus clinic, echoing similar calls of concern following a reported spike in the number of coronavirus cases and fatalities in August
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ]  According to the global health agency, only half of the country's 113 public hospitals were fully operational by the end of June. There are fewer than three beds available for every 10,000 people – three times less than international standards.
9 [ 17th September, Overall Syria  ]  Humanitarian actors continue to receive reports that healthcare workers in some areas do not have sufficient PPE
[ 1st October, Overall Syria  ] Health authorities recorded today 19 new infection cases with COVID 19 in north western Syria region, which is under the control of HTS and Turkish backed factions in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.
[ 14th ctober 2020, NW Syria ]  So far, only 13,126 tests have been performed since the first signs of the pandemic began to appear in the area in July.
[ 4 Nov 2020 ]   [ NWS ]  New cases: 441 | Total cases: 7500 | New tests: 1401 | Total tests: 31019 | New recoveries: 109 | Total recoveries: 2837 | Total active cases: 4601 | New deaths: 0 | Total deaths: 42
[ 17th September, Overall Syria  ]  While Jaber/Nassib border crossing remains closed since 12 August, on 8 9 September, Jordanian authorities exceptionally allowed 87 commercial trucks stranded in the border area to cross into Jordan.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  The WHO continues to lead efforts to support increased distribution of PPE where needed to ensure the protection of healthcare workers already operating under very challenging circumstances
Hassakeh: There are two main COVID referral facilities for moderate severe cases in Hassakeh: a dedicated facility in a converted factory building in Washokani and the isolation ward at the HNH. Over the last week, the facility at Washokani has been activated, with 45 beds available for moderate severe cases and a further 12 Intensive Care Unit  ( ICU )  beds available for critical cases
[ 30th September 2020, Overall Syria ]  In a statement to SANA, Director of School Health Department at the Ministry Dr. Hatoun al Tawashi said that every student who has coronavirus symptoms is referred to the monitoring team to determine whether it is necessary to conduct a test or not, and if a positive test is proven in one of the classes then several tests are made in it for those who contacted with the infected students and the class should be closed for five days.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  The steady increase in affected healthcare workers reported since July underscores – given Syria's fragile healthcare system with already insufficient numbers of qualified healthcare personnel – the potential for its overstretched healthcare capacity to be further compromise
Hassakeh: There continue to be significant concerns around the capacity of the hospital to deal with COVID 19 cases, with delays in diagnosing suspect cases, improper use of PPE and significant shortages of health personnel contributing to widespread transmission among health workers
Starting October 12, all land border crossings of the Autonomous Administration in Northeast Syria, except the Simalka crossing with Iraqi Kurdistan, were reopened without restrictions after several months of restrictions due to the pandemic.
[ 30th September 2020 ] The School Health Department in Damascus has closed a class in one of the schools for five days on 20thof the current month after discovering an infection with Coronavirus of a student in it, according to the adopted Health Protocol, and has taken all necessary measures to test the students and teachers in the school.
[ 30th September 2020, Overall Syria ]  Al Tawashi said that any student or teacher who have respiratory infections or high temperatures should absent themselves from school until the symptoms disappear, calling on the administrational and teaching cadres to shoulder their responsibilities in this regard.
[ The information in this lead is already acquired from other sources ]
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  While the UN is not in a position to verify or directly link such reports to COVID 19, other unverified reports received include difficulty obtaining a COVID 19 test; and rises in obituaries, death notices and burials.
[ 30th September 2020 ] The Ministry said, in a statement, that according to the School Health Department data, most of the infection cases were in the schools of Damascus countryside with 17 infections, while the rest were distributed as 4 in Tartous, 2 in Sweida, 4 in Aleppo, 2 in Hama, 5 in Homs, 1 in Quneitra and 6 in Damascus.
[ September 2020,Overall Syria ] Infection rates among healthcare workers have been rising in Syria. As of 19 September 2020, around 143 healthcare workers were tested positive for COVID 19, which impacted the already overstretched Syrian healthcare system