nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
[ 7 April 2021, Overall Syria ]  The number of positive cases across the country increased to 51,949 cases, from 49,825 cases last week. Of the total, 888 new cases were recorded in areas under government control  ( 42 percent ) , and 105 cases in opposition held areas  ( 5 percent ) .
[ 30/Sep/2020 ]   [ GoS ]  Meanwhile, the number of official positive cases in government areas has increased to 4,148 from 3,877 last week, including 2,863 still active cases, 1,088 recoveries, and 197 fatalities from 37,000 tests.
[  November 11, NWS, affordability to buy mask ]  Unable to afford face masks, some parents stopped sending their children to school. In some schools, teachers were trying to find alternative solutions, such as allowing students to use old pieces of cloth to cover their faces.
[ 24 March 2021, GoS ]  The Ministry of Health issued a circular which it shared with hospitals in Damascus stating that all non ambulatory operations would be halted starting today. In addition, it requested the implementation of a plan to summon extra personnel in case of a new emergency and to operate hospitals at maximum capacity for the benefit of patients.
[ 30/Sep/2020 ]   [ NWS ]  In Idlib and the Aleppo countryside, the number of positive cases more than doubled in the space of a week to 999 positive cases, up from 654 last week, of whom 492 have recovered and six died.
Fisheries on the internal rivers  ( mainly in Al Ghab and Deir ez Zor )  were already severely damaged due to the conflict, and are essentially out of operation now due to the added restrictions.
Both markets and input dealers closed at times due to COVID 19 control measures, which has also reduced the sale of animals, which would normally take place at this time of year.
COVID 19 containment measures in the Syrian Arab Republic have had the most significant direct impact on transport, retail, services and the daily waged labourers in and around the bigger cities.
[ February 2021, NWS ]  Access to Water 69% of communities where KIs reported that not all households had access to sufficient water. Private water trucking was the most commonly reported source of drinking water  ( reported by KIs in 39% of communities )
[  November 11, NWS ]  Now with the lockdown planned for a week, all places where crowds gather like public markets, universities and schools are closed and small local grocery stores, pharmacies and clinics remain open.
[ October 28, Idlib ]  Doctor Firas Hamdo, a paediatrician and nutrition specialist, is among those who for months have been witnessing an increase of malnutrition cases at the children's hospital where he works in Taftanaz, a town in Idlib province.
[ October 28, Idlib ]  Food prices have been rising across the country, alongside the economic impacts of COVID 19 and the free fall of the Syrian poundthat are plunging an ever increasing number of people into poverty. Last month, government subsidised bakeries began shutting down in parts of the country controlled by President Bashar al Assad, amidst a shortage of wheat.
In addition, UNHCR is procuring one GeneXpert machine. Following WHO support for on site training of laboratory technicians and delivery of essential supplies, COVID 19 testing is also ongoing at the Tishreen University Hospital in Lattakia, the Zahi Azraq Hospital in Aleppo, and at the public health laboratory in Homs.
The current key priorities in Syria are: Enhancing surveillance capacity, including active surveillance, with a critical need to expand laboratory capacity at the national and sub national level to test for timely detection; Protecting health care workers by training and providing additional PPE; Ensuring proper case management, isolation and contact tracing; and Raising awareness and risk communication.
[ October 28, Idlib ] That's also despite the fact many people in the area receive aid, according to Amany Qaddour, regional director of Syria Relief and Development, a US based aid organisation that works in the northwest. “There is still a huge segment of the population in northwest Syria that is unable to secure food for their families,' she says.
[ October 28, Idlib ]  Numbers are now beginning to trickle out.According to a 20 October report from OCHA, the UN's emergency aid coordination body, “the poor nutrition situation in northwest Syria continues, with increases in acute and chronic malnutrition  ( stunting )  rates among children over the last four months.'
Access food and cash: Moreover, due to COVID 19 movement restrictions, 5.7 percent of surveyed households in August reported difficulties obtaining remittances and food assistance, with the highest observations recorded in Deir ez Zor  ( 12 percent ) . This trend has decreased across Syria between July to August 2020, especially among returnees  ( from 11 percent to 5 percent ) , though almost double the interviewed households in Lattakia, Quneitra, and Al Hasakeh reported that movement restrictions made it difficult to receive food assistance compared to July 2020.
To this effect, an emergency meeting of the NES Forum COVID 19 TF technical committee was convened on 23 July. A series of priority actions were identified focusing on the activation/reactivation of capacities  ( e.g. isolation facilities, community messaging, rapid response teams  ( RRTs ) , sample collection/transportation ) , aggressive isolation of cases and transmission prevention, implementation of rigorous controls/ restrictions at points of entries  ( PoEs )  and enhanced diagnostic capacity. Recommended actions were shared with local authorities and humanitarian partners, with further discussions to be convened in the coming days to support local implementation.
Border crossing_Jaber+ # number of cases: At the governorate level, the highest number of confirmed COVID 19 cases by the end of August 2020 was reported in Damascus  ( 1,024 cases )  and Aleppo  ( 466 cases ) . As a result of this spike in COVID 19 cases in Syria, on 13 August, Jordanian authorities announced that they would close Jaber crossing, the land trade border with Syria.
121,355 is the number of individuals reached through the 860 diﬀerent WhatsApp groups.
This highlights the particular risks faced by healthcare workers; and 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 compromised. Of the 46 fatalities in Government of Syria  ( GoS )  controlled areas, 37 were in Damascus; three was in Rural Damascus; two were in As Sweid'a; two were in Homs; one was in Aleppo; and one was in Qunietra.
Of the four NES cases reported on 23 July, all reportedly suffered from underlying health conditions, and none had had contact with each other  ( i.e. the possibility of multiple separate clusters ) . Three of the cases  ( all in Qamishli city )  had no travel history, while the confirmed case in Hassakeh city had reported recently travelled from Damascus. Each of the cases is reportedly self isolating in their homes, with immediate contacts/family members also under quarantine. Contact tracing is continuing for all these cases, with all close contacts to be asked to undergo a polymerase chain reaction  ( PCR )  test and self quarantine for 14 days
NWS COVID 19 taskforce members have expressed their concerns over violations of coronavirus preventive measures during the Eid al Adha holiday. The NWS might face a growing number of clusters of COVID 19 cases in two weeks time, given an incubation period of up to 14 days for the disease after exposure. Precautions against a potential spread of the virus have been scaled up in response to identified cases, including restrictions on movements, gatherings, commercial activities, and in person education services.
The Bab Al Salam border crossing remains open for commercial traffic, while closed for UN transshipments. On 20 July, Bab Al Hawa in Idleb partially re opened for humanitarian workers and emergency medical cases to cross to Turkey after a week's closure following reported cases of COVID 19 in Idleb. On 27 July, the Ghazawiyet/Daret Azza – Deir Ballut/Atma internal crossings connecting the Idleb area and northern Aleppo Governorate were reportedly reopened. Both crossings had been closed on 17 July as a precaution against the spread of COVID 19.
[ 18 March 2021, NES ]  The Autonomous Administration  ( northeast of the country )  recorded about 8,900 cases, including 346 deaths.
121
355
[ May 2021, Al Hasakeh governorate ]   [ Serekaniye Camp Overview: Number of individuals: 11,181 ]  Households reporting the presence of child protection concerns
within the camp  ( in the two weeks prior to data collection ) : Yes 52% and No 48%. Most commonly reported child protection concerns:
 • Child labour  ( 32% ) 
• Domestic violence  ( 15% )
[ October 8, Damascus and rural Damascus, hot spots ] But the congested public markets and streets of poorer areas offer the virus the chance to break out again. “Conditions are all there for it to spread quickly and this is what is happening. Damascus and rural Damascus are the hot spots,' said Matt Hemsley, a Damascus based Oxfam policy adviser.
To date, the Syrian MoH has reported 847 people with COVID 19. Of these, Damascus reported the highest number of cases  ( 463 ) , followed by Rural Damascus  ( 181 ) ; Aleppo Governorate  ( 41 ) ; Quneitra Governorate  ( 40 ) ; Lattakia  ( 36 ) ; As  Sweida Governorate  ( 28 ) ; Homs Governorate  ( 25 ) ; Dar'a Governorate  ( 12 ) ; Tartous Governorate  ( 11 ) ; as well as Hama Governorate  ( 10 ) .
[ June 2021, NES ]  Damaged agricultural infrastructure and challenges in accessing modern farming machinery forced farmers to rely on outdated farming methods lowering the productivity of their operations
[ August 16, GoS ]  In a statement, the ministry added that the total number of the coronavirus cases recorded in Syria has reached up to 26,342 till now, of which 22,151 have recovered, while 1,937 have passed away.
[ September 23, Syria, # of cases ]  Health Ministry announced on Wednesday that 47 new coronavirus cases were registered in Syria and that 15 patients have recovered while 3 others have passed away.
[ 16th ​March, 2021, SDF ]  Al Hasakeh governorate and it's subdistricts had insufficient provision of space in health facilities to monitor suspected COVID 19 cases.
[ 16th ​March, 2021, SDF ]  Al Hasakeh, Ar Raqqa and Deir er Zor governorate had little to no communities implementing COVID 19 mitigation measures such as, closure of public spaces, social distancing, lockdown, prohibition of gatherings, compulsory mask wearing etc.
61,581 individuals benefited from water provision in northwest Syria. In total, 55,245.5 cubic metres of water were provided during May and 62,243.50 cubic metres in June.
[ 7 April 2021, Overall Syria ]  30 percent of returnee households are headed by a member with disabilities. Concurrently, 51 percent of households have at least one member with disabilities. The presence of members with disabilities disproportionately exposes households to on going socio economic shocks following their return. Indeed, only 14 percent of households with multiple members with disabilities report sufficient income.
[ 7 April 2021, Overall Syria ]  52 percent of returnee households with more than one member with disabilities were pushed from their last place of displacement due to the deterioration of the economic situation, but were moderately less likely to be pulled by economic opportunities   47 compared to 54 percent of households without members with disabilities.
Immediate gaps for 143,000 internally displaced persons in northwest Syria are as follows: water trucking, recurrent solid waste management, and public latrines rehabilitation/construction. Adding up, 171,520 people need hygiene kits.
Needs across the country remained extensive, with more than 11 million people  ( 4.7 million children )  requiring humanitarian assistance, including 6.2 million people internally displaced  ( 2.5 million children ) . The situation has been aggravated by the rapid devaluation of the Syrian Pound and the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic.
For in kind food distribution, UNRWA utilized 14 regular distribution centres, five mobile centres, and nine newly established distribution points at UNRWA schools and microfinance offices to avoid overcrowding. About 85% of eligible Palestine refugees received in kind food basket during the ongoing distribution round.
Many people have stopped complying with stay home advice. In May, 52% of focal points believed their communities would stay home unless it was necessary to leave, but only 19% said the same in June and July.
• People in lower density sub districts have more trouble understanding precautionary measures. Forty four percent of focal points from such areas believe their communities do not understand the measures, compared with 9% living in high density sub districts.
[ September 28, Syria, children face hunger ]  It means in the last six months, the total number of food insecure children across the country has risen to more than 4.6 million.
The probability that communities in sub districts that host a high proportion of IDPs feel informed is 14 percentage points lower than in sub districts hosting smaller proportions or no IDPs at all. IDPs and the communities that host them are already vulnerable, and may be further disadvantaged by the pandemic if they do not receive sufficient information.
In Deir ez Zor, there is so far no planned response in 47 mapped informal settlements with an estimated population of around 2,000 households. In recent weeks there have been concerns over water shortages in camps, resulting in residents resorting to unsafe/untreated water sources. As well as increasing the risk of communicable diseases, including acute diarrhea, the lack of water and in some cases subsequent recourse to untreated water also compromises hygiene practicesincluding increase handwashing, designed to mitigate the risk of COVID 19
In light of the relaxed preventive measures, in the reporting period the RCCE has focused on the need to emphasize the ongoing risks of COVID 19 and to continue to promote behavioral initiatives such as hand and respiratory hygiene.Some 12 million people have been reached by television and radio awareness campaigns and printed IEC materials.
[ Syria 2019, education contribution to poverty ]  Education indicators are the most significant contributors to both poverty levels. The association with lifetime outcomes intensifies over time as education shapes future employment opportunities and overall well  being.
In addition, UNICEF conducted a training of trainers for 18 staff from seven NGO partners on IPC and the proper use of PPE in Damascus, with a similar training in Al Hasakeh for 39 community volunteers and health workers. UNICEF also distributed PPE to NGO partners in Deir Ez Zor and Damascus.
The risk of a COVID 19 outbreak continues to be a possibility, however, as cases in the rest of Syria continue to rise  ( as of 7 July 2020, 372 confirmed cases and 14 deaths )  and many experts predict a second wave of global infections in the fall/ winter of 2020/2021.
Agencies should prepare for the fact that community level adherence to public health measures will continue to decline, despite renewed restrictions imposed by authorities in some areas. In GoS and SDF, approaches should recognise that many people simply do not want to adhere to the measures.
In 43% of assessed settlements, half or fewer of the IDPs had reportedly received information about COVID 19. In 80% of assessed settlements, around 25% or lower proportions of IDPs were reportedly aware of social distancing.
In addition, UNICEF provided IEC materials specific on key recommended practices during national immunization days and provided support to workshops at primary healthcare centers to implement awareness raising. Trainings related to awareness raising also continues.
In all assessed settlements in Deir ez Zor, it was reported that only a few  ( around 25% )  or no IDPs were engaging in social distancing. The most frequently cited reason was that living conditions do not allow it  ( 90% of assessed settlements ) , with KIs in 51% of settlements also reporting that IDPs are unsure of the reasons why they should practice social distancing.
[ September 28, Syria, children face hunger ] Many people report being advised to take over the counter medicine without a test when showing symptoms. There have also been claims of an increase in thedaily requests for gravediggers, in some areas.
[ 3 April 2021, GoS ]  On April 04, the Syrian cabinet decided to close some public sector offices and operate with a skeleton staff in others in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
[ March 6, NWS, disruption of health services  ]  Since the start of the conflict, out of the 111 public hospitals in Syria, roughly one quarter have been fully destroyed. “On March 6, 2020, a UN report stated that up to 70 per cent of the health workers had left the country as migrants or refugees,' he adds.
22,501 Palestine refugees received food assistance. The first round of food distribution in 2020 began on 24 March.
49,921 Palestine refugees received cash assistance. The second cash round emergency started on 21 May covering three months' worth of assistance.
[ October 6, Al Hasakeh ]  A majority  ( 89% )  of respondents reported that COVID 19 is generating discrimination among specific groups of people.
September 27 Damascus,: The School Health Directorate at the Ministry of Education, in cooperation with UNICEF and under the scientific supervision of the World Health Organization, began on Sunday implementing a comprehensive training program in health education, as part of precautionary measures to address the Coronavirus and with the aim of raising the level of health awareness among students.
At the central level, the MoH has announced 14 fully equipped isolation centers are currently running, with a cumulative capacity of 549 beds, including 505 isolation beds, 114 ICU beds, and 88 ventilators. The 37 quarantine centres are reported to have 4,865 beds.
[ 30/Sep/2020 ]   [ Syria ]  Minister of Finance Kinan Yaghi denied rumours that the government had lifted the requirement for Syrians returning home to exchange USD 100 at the official exchange rate of SYP 1,250 per dollar, on entry.
UNRWA Microfinance Department offices in the areas resumed their services in May at 40 per cent capacity, while home visits continued to be suspended.
[ 27/Sep/2020 ]   [ Syria ] The Jordanian authorities also reopened their land border with Syria on Sunday 27 September, after one month of closure. The traffic between the two countries was not very significant but in mid August the Jordanians closed the crossing after the infection of dozens of border officials.
UNDP is supporting rehabilitation at three hospitals. One partner has completed light rehabilitation of WASH systems in Dar'a  ( Al Bassel Education Centre ) , and is progressing work at the Health Institute in Deir Ez Zor.
In NES, there are up to 21 prepared isolation centres for moderate severe cases, with five currently operational  ( approximately 309 out of 975 available beds )  In addition, sectors have completed an isolation center in Al Hol.
When looking at services that were available in sub districts prior to the emergence of COVID 19, most basic services were fully available in most sub districts, although public health services were partially available in 9% of sub districts.
[ September 28, Syria, adherence to preventive measures  ] “There are about 700 people in Idlib affected by coronavirus, but when I advise people in the camp about the preventive measures to take and warn them about masks, people tell me that they don't care, because they are already in a life threatening mess.'
In the second round of data collection, which was conducted in late May as restrictions lifted, knowledge remained high while attitudes and practices had shifted to less cautious in relation to COVID 19 among both female and male respondents.
Awareness campaigns were in place in 30 sub districts  ( out of 42 ) , while temperature checks were in place in 26 sub districts and distribution of soap/disinfectant/masks were available in 7 sub districts.
REACH observed high levels of COVID 19 knowledge among survey respondents in the first round of data collection, which was conducted in late April as communication efforts and curfews were well under way. Greater wariness of COVID 19 was seen among attitudes and practices responses, especially among female respondents.
September 10, Lattakia, lack of medicine ]  In Latakia, also a regime held city, there is a shortage of medicine, she adds.
[ September 28, Syria, people suffer difficult conditions in camps  ] “People here cannot protect themselves from the coronavirus,' said Al Qaddour. “Millions of people are living in overcrowded makeshift camps exposed to raw sewage and with no access to soap and water. There are no medical facilities, no ventilators and social distancing is impossible.
An eighty bed isolation area has been constructed two rub halls, two large tents and three family size tents.
[ Syria 2019 ]  Poor living conditions, whether in camp or out, along with depleted savings and limited livelihood opportunities, are the foundation for harmful exploitation, such as gender based violence, child abuse, child labour and early marriage.
September 10, Damascus, lack of testing capacity ]  Sami, a pharmacist living in the capital, told the Syria Campaign that testing in Damascus is considered a privilege and the only place it now takes place is Al Jalaa Centre after other sites were shut down. It takes around one week or 10 days to get an appointment, he said.
[ September 10, Syria, cost of PCR test ]  War, inflation, a searing economic crisis and US sanctions means the average Syrian lives on just $4 a day. With the rise in price of medicine, vitamins, and sanitiser, many must choose between eating and fending off coronavirus.
Deir ez Zor governorate faces a continued volatile security situation that reduces humanitarian access and hinders optimal deployment of aid. The economic downturn and threat of a potential COVID 19 outbreak interact to increase community vulnerabilities and needs.
While KIs in all 109 assessed communities  ( 100% )  reported schools closed as a result of COVID 19 preventive measures from local authorities, KIs in 17% of communities reported lack of teachers as another reason schools were not in session the whole month prior to data collection.
The median informal exchange rate for the governorate was recorded at 2,300 SYP/USD, a 35% increase from the month prior. The highest exchange rate was recorded at 2,850 SYP for 1 USD in Moezleh community. The reported main causes for the sharp increase include the continued financial crisis in Lebanon, international economic sanctions on Syria, COVID 19 mitigation measures, a decline in remittances into Syria, and internal disputes between actors in Syria.
[ September 10, Aleppo, lack of health equipment  ]  Gasia Ohanes, a Lebanon based journalist covering the covid outbreak in Syria, told me that in Aleppo hospitals are running out of medicine and are treating patients amid severe electricity and water cuts.
[ September 10, NWS, lack of protective equipment ]  Back in northwest Syria, the embargo and restrictions imposed on the checkpoints by the Syrian regime's security services means that IDPs are finding it difficult to secure protective equipment, explains Bulad: “Pharmacies sell masks and gloves at high prices, with each mask costing 500 1,000 SYP  ( $0.25 $0.50. ) '
[ Jan 2020 2021, Overall Syria ]  Households reporting a lack of skills has also increased over time, from 40 percent in January 2020 to 47 percent in January 2021 ) , underlining the importance of interventions to provide trainings that reflect whatever employment opportunities might exist at the regional level. However, it is also equally important to direct interventions towards structural deficits within the labour market itself, due to the fact that lack of employment opportunities has remained the most important barrier to employment over all reported time periods.
UNICEF also continued to support preventative nutrition interventions, reaching some 390,000 caregivers with awareness on appropriate infant and young child feeding practices  ( IYCF ) . COVID 19  related messages were also included in IYCF messages since the beginning of COVID 19 response.
UN Cross Border S hipments Face Challenges After Loss of Bab al  Salama On July 11, the UN Security Council  ( UNSC )  partially renewed the cross  border authorization that enables UN agencies to deliver aid into Syria from neighboring countries. The approved resolution, UNSC Resolution 2533, allows UN agencies to continue cross border operations through Turkey's Bab al Hawa  ( BaH )  crossing for one year, while removing UN authorization for Turkey's Bab al Salama  ( BaS )  crossing.
As of 26 July, there has been a general easing of preventive measures introduced in May 2020 to avoid the spread of COVID 19 despite the institution of several new restrictions. Most land borders into Syria remain closed, with some limited exemptions. Access through crossing points inside Syria also continue to be largely restricted, with some exceptions for humanitarian and commercial cargo, humanitarian personnel, students, and medical cases.
Dedicated case management capacity inside the camp remains extremely limited, including due to a reported decrease in available health services in recent weeks due to issues with the contract renewal of several health partners.
With the global spread of COVID 19, a new the focus area developed around UNICEF's response to the pandemic, including provision of hygiene supplies, awareness raising on precautionary measures against the virus, the promotion of safe physical distancing and psychosocial and education support for children forced to stay home due to restrictions.
Moreover, overcrowding of health facilities and shortage of health workers were also reported as barriers in 54% and 50% of assessed communities, respectively, which could impede facilities' capacity to respond to a COVID 19 outbreak.
[ 1 July 2021, GoS ]  The Ministry said in a statement that the total number of infections in the country has reached up to 25551, of which 21831 have recovered and 1879 passed away.
In line with these measures, reported barriers to accessing education relate to COVID 19 restrictions. In addition, KIs in 27 assessed locations, including 11 in Deir ez Zor governorate and 16 in Hasakeh governorate, reported the inability for IDP families to prioritise sending children to school over work as a barrier to access education in the absence of COVID 19 restrictions.
The Syrian MoH has stationed at least one ambulance with medical personnel at all PoEs. To date, WHO has supported screening efforts by providing personal protection equipment  ( PPE ) , infrared thermometers, guidance notes, registration forms and one thermal scanner camera.
Furthermore, 30 collective shelters were supported with renovation/ rehabilitation, 808 disinfectants were distributed for interior of buildings, 115 tenders for fumigation, and sterilization of collective shelters are on going, and 200 emergency shelters were allocated in response to COVID 19.
In NES, there are up to 21 prepared isolation centres for moderate severe cases, with five currently operational  ( approximately 309 out of 975 available beds ) .
[ Jan 2020 2021, Overall Syria ]  Between January 2020 and January 2021, median income from work has decreased from $57 to $34.
A shortage of agricultural labour, especially skilled labour was reported due to travel restrictions, increased cost of transport, curfew and risk of getting infected with the virus.
[  November 19, Idlib ]  Seven of eight hospitals in northwestern Syria that are equipped to treat the virus are already overwhelmed. “The increase in COVID infections, cases of hospitalization and nearing full occupancy of ICUs, brings us closer to a state of emergency,' said Salem Abdan, head of Idlib's health directorate.
To expand testing capacity, the Cluster lead agency is procuring two more PCR machines. These are expected to arrive by mid July, in addition to laboratory suppliesTo expand testing capacity, the Cluster lead agency is procuring two more PCR machines. These are expected to arrive by mid July, in addition to laboratory supplies  ( DNA extraction kits ) . o Three senior laboratory staff from the Assistance Coordination Unit  ( ACU )  Early Warning Alert and Response Network  ( EWARN )  will be trained in the use of PCR machines and testing COVID 19 samples in Ankara, under a training of training programme coordinated with the Ministry of Health of Turkey. This will be followed by a roll out training in northwest Syria for up to 15 laboratory staf  ( DNA extraction kits )
As of 13 June, six people with COVID 19 were reported in north east Syria  ( NES ) , including one death and five people who recovered.
[  November 19, Idlib ]  The pace is dizzying at the largest isolation hospital in Syria's northwestern city of Idlib. There are no bombs falling outside and the wounded don't crowd bloodstained corridors amid a shaky cease fire in the country's decade old civil war. Still, the intensive care unit staff is overwhelmed with beds full of elderly patients gasping for air.
In May and June 2020, WV distributed 8,102 consumable hygiene kits to internally displaced persons in northwest Syria. 39,117 individuals beneﬁted from this activity. WV provided additional hand soap in each kit to encourage hand washing. In total, 15 bars of soap were provided with each kit.
Additional supply requirements for COVID 19 response, i.e. PPE, diagnostic and biomedical equipment, have been consolidated across all hubs and total US $122 million.
Social media is the most frequently mentioned source of information  ( 86% ) , followed by family/friends  ( 66% )  and health workers at health facilities  ( 43% ) . The proportion of respondents mentioning family/ friends and health workers at health facilities as sources of information increased between rounds: from 63% to 66% and from 28% to 43% respectively. Unlike northeast Syria, television is not an important or trusted source of information in northwest Syria.
[ November 19, Idlib ] Ambulance driver Rami Khalaf ferried a patient and a nurse for three hours from the city of Idlib to a southern town for a breathing machine. By the time they arrived, they found there was no oxygen available, so they headed to a third location, another three hour drive.
[ November 19, Idlib ]  With the nurse tending to the unconscious patient with one hand and operating a walkie talkie in a search for life saving equipment with the other, they drove more than 200 kilometers  ( 125 miles ) .
[ November 19, Idlib ]  At least Khalaf didn't have to dodge bombs. Medical teams and hospitals often were targeted by government forces that accuse them of treating “terrorists'   its label for opposition fighters.
Humanitarian and commercial shipments, and NGO staff movements, continue through BAS and BAH from Turkey to Syria.In NES, local authorities have also eased preventive measures, with most restrictions which were in place until 15 June now relaxed.Travel is now permitted, and religious centres are allowed to open after disinfection.The border with Jordan remains completely closed.
Similar issues of complacency and non compliance to preventive measures – particularly wearing of masks, hand hygiene and social distancing – have been reported within hospitals and even NGOs issues themselves.
[ November 19, Idlib ]  As winter rains began, bringing with it renewed rumblings of war, fear is growing that exhausted medical teams may not be able to cope.
Over populated sites and lack of camp management continue to be prevalent concerns, especially in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic where the application of preventive, response and mitigation guidance is essential.
Most recently, 220,000 people were recorded to have returned to their homes or previous places of displacement to areas, mostly along the M4 and west of the M5 highways– areas in proximity to the frontlines that have witnessed increased levels of hostilities since early July.
At least 17,623 children in schools and temporary learning spaces benefited from sterilisation of education facilities as mitigation against the spread of COVID 19.
o Providing education personnel and teacher incentives and training o Providing learning materials for children and teachers o Provision of non formal education and summer school for out of school children  ( in classroom or remote/distance )  o Continuing to support for the safe reopening of schools  ( repair/expansion of classrooms and school furniture, WASH, hygiene promotion and supplies, school disinfection, etc. )  o Using a blended approach for students' learning process, combining face to face education with distance o Providing support for children to sit the national exams
COVID 19 prevention needs: o Cleaning of education facilities that are accessible to children and/or adults again. o Clean WASH facilities in schools  ( in coordination with WASH cluster ) . o Hygiene and basic health sensitisation at home, printed and/or through social media in coordination with Risk Communication and Community Engagement  ( RCCE )  efforts. o Continued physical re planning of school infrastructure, especially in camps, taking into consideration adequate physical distancing and to prevent large gatherings of children. o Maintain adjusted modalities for education services  ( classes etc. )  to incorporate physical distancing and prevent large gatherings.
Continuation of learning needs: o Childcare arrangements for children whose parents are healthcare workers  ( in coordination with the Child Protection sub cluster ) . o Adaptation of existing curricula and implementation through printed materials and/or social media and self learning programmes. o Assessment of students', parents' and teachers' access to affordable internet connectivity and internet enabled devices. Consider paper based individual home learning assignments based on current curricula as alternative. o Provision of education materials and supplies to children affected by COVID 19 to enable them to continue education through distance learning. o Provision of exercise sheets to all students, regardless of whether they have access to online platforms.
At least 205,474 children and teachers benefited from distance learning in Idleb and Aleppo governorates as an alternative way to continue education during the COVID 19 pandemic.
In Idleb and Dana sub districts, 171,494 students and teachers have been provided with awareness raising on COVID 19 and received information, education and communication  ( IEC )  and sterilisation materials.
Given the spread of the virus among the health staff, scaling up of testing for health care workers  ( HCWs )  is needed with a special focus on those who are working at COVID 19 designated health facilities  ( e.g. hospitals, CCTCs )  and at facilities caring for most vulnerable groups such as tuberculosis clinics, dialysis centres as well as members of tracing and laboratory teams.
[ 07/Oct/2020 ]   [ Syria ]  On October 07, the ministry raised the price of a litre of octane 95 petrol to SYP 850, representing an increase of 47.8 percent over the price of SYP 575 set in March.
The personal protective equipment  ( PPE )  and infection control and hygiene items for medical staff and community health workers  ( CHWs )  continues to be a gap.
Nutrition Cluster members provided the following COVID 19 related services; o 122,213 mothers and caregivers received information and prevention measures related to COVID 19; o 70,850 mothers and caregivers counselled on breastfeeding in context of COVID 19; o 33,239 beneficiaries received masks, IEC materials related to COVID 19  ( posters, WhatsApp videos, etc. ) ; o 1,251 staff of partners trained on COVID 19 IPC measures; o 769 staff of partners trained on nutrition programmatic adaptations in context of COVID 19   CMAM, IYCF E, Surveillance, etc.; o 2,137 staff of partners received PPE tools  ( e.g. masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, etc. ) .
The transhipment hub at Bab al Hawa requires an increase in staffing, which in turn requires physical hub expansion to maintain COVID 19 preventive measures and observe physical distancing.
The transhipment hub at Bab al Hawa is being expanded to improve physical distancing. The augmentation will add an extra 5,000 m2 of space to improve physical distancing.
The Cluster continues to implement COVID 19 countermeasures at the hubs, including regularly holding workshops on COVID 19 awareness.
[ 05/Oct/2020 ]   [ Syria ]  Al Sharq Al Awsat, a pan Arab newspaper based in London, reported on October 05 that Lebanese authorities had seized a tanker carrying four million litres of petrol on its way from Greece to Syria for a company based in Harasta near Damascus.
[ 7 April 2021, Northwest Syria ]  The number of positive cases in Idlib and parts of Aleppo's western countryside increased to 21,394 from 21,289 last week, including 1,209 active cases, 19,547 recoveries, and 638 fatalities. The new cases this week were 105.
[ 31 March 2021, Overall Syria ]  There were 1,859 new cases this week, up from 1,276 last week, including 1,055 new cases inside government controlled areas, 780 new cases in the northeast, and 24 new positive cases in opposition held areas in Idlib and parts of Aleppo's western countryside
[ 7 April 2021, Northwest Syria ]  According to a weekly report published by the Syrian Interim Government, 108,612 tests have been conducted inside opposition held areas, 19.64 percent of which were positive. So far, there have been no vaccinations in opposition held areas.
( October 2020   Syria )  the prices of masks and gloves have increased by 300 percent, with sanitizer prices going up by more than 200 percent since February according to WFP
[ October 14, NES, Health system capacity and functionality ]  Staff are being redirected from regular health facilities to COVID 19 facilities, reducing the capacity and availability of services of other health facilities.
[ October 28, Idlib ]  At a tiny 10 centimetres, the girl's arm is on the tape's colour coded red zone. She is given a dosage of F 75, the powdered milk that is one of the first phases of treatment for those diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition  ( SAM )  – the most serious and visible form of malnutrition in children under the age of five.
[ September 10 23, GoS, movement restriction ] Otherwise, the daily curfew remains lifted, as does the travel ban between and within governorates.
[ September 10 23, NES, public measures ] Over the last week, in consultation with the NES COVID  19 Technical Committee, local authorities' central Directorate of Health  ( DoH )  circulated a formal directive to all local health committees mandating additional measures/safeguards to limit transmission among health workers.
[ September 12, NWS, # of cases ]  Among the cases, 110 were males and 103 females. The mean age of the cases is 34 years, five cases are under five years of age, and 15 cases are over 60 years old. Of all cases, 67  ( 31 per cent )  are health care workers.
[ Syria, # of schools affected by conflict ]  Early marriage for girls as young as 10 was also reported by 45 per cent of assessed communities. Such infringements of children's basic rights can aggravate impairments in mental and emotional health, leading to serious and in many cases irreversible psychological disorders.
[ 7 April 2021, Overall Syria ]  Only 14 percent of returnee households with multiple members with disabilities report having sufficient income to meet their basic needs, slightly less than the 19 percent of households without a member with disabilities. This phenomena can be explained, in part, by increased expenditures, which are essential to ensure households with members with disabilities can adequately cope with increased needs  ( like health care expenses )  associated with disabilities.
[ September 10 23, Syria, challenges in food provision  ] 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.
[ September 17, Syria, access restriction ]  Repatriation flights continue to land in Damascus  ( since the last report, from Khartoum, Kuwait, Baghdad and Cairo ) . Tartous and Lattakia ports remain operational, with precautionary measures in place.
[ September 10 23, GoS, movement restriction  ] The GoS continues to maintain a widespread easing of preventive measures introduced throughout May, albeit with some ongoing changes, including recent ad hoc suspension of prayers in some locations, as well as closures of wedding halls.
[ September 18, Al Hasakeh, # of health workers affected ]  As of 18 September, 165 of the 1,121 confirmed cases of COVID 19 in NES were recorded amongst health workers. Of these, 66  ( 40 per cent of cases among health workers )  were recorded in Hassakeh District. As previously reported, transmission has been recorded at the three main hospitals in the city  Hassakeh National Hospital  ( HNH ) , Hassakeh Military Hospital  ( HMH )  and Al Hikma Hospital.
[ September 10 23, Syria, movement restriction ] Ghazawiyet Afrin and Deir Ballut in Aleppo are open for commercial, military, and humanitarian cargo movement. Access to Rukban from within Syria remains under discussion with the various parties. The border crossing point with Jordan remains closed, curtailing access to the UN clinic.
[ September 10 23, Syria, movement restriction ] Although the 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.
[ September 10 23, Syria, ٍSyria context challenges ] As the UN supports national preparedness and response in Syria, the specific country context poses considerable challenges. This includes: a fragile health system lacking sufficient personnel; infrastructure and existing essential equipment;
( April 2020   Syria )  Syria is even likely to spread Covid 19 further, as Iran linked militia are important transnational vectors of contagion.
[ September 10 23, Syria, ٍSyria context challenges ] As the response expands, there is a need to both increase and decentralize testing, in order to accommodate more timely diagnosis of more samples from a greater range of geographical locations including NES.
[ February 2021, Al Hasakeh, NES ]  In 7% of assessed settlements, KIs reported that sufficient medicine was available for free for people with chronic disease. In 84% of assessed settlements, KIs reported that sufficient medicine was available to buy for people with chronic disease.
[ September 10 23, NES, adherence to movement restriction ]  Humanitarian partners continue to adhere to self imposed limitations on movements, including working from home, working in shifts, reducing non essential field visits/meetings and, in camps, supporting a more localized response among camp residents.
In REACH's NWS Rapid Market Assessment, 14% of vendors in Idleb reported that facemasks were less available due to higher prices as a result of the depreciation of the Syrian pound.
[ February 2021, Al Hasakeh, NES ]  Top three reported expense types by % of assessed settlements: Food 100%, NFIs 65% and Healthcare 65%.
[ 1 July 2021, Deir ez  Zor, GoS ]  Local sources confirmed to SY 24 that the industrial workshops in the city of Deir ez Zor received a significant number of children searching for jobs. These children started working despite the high risk they face while working. The sources added that the children are working in the fields of car mechanics, lubrication, as well as in blacksmithing and welding. While several others work in iron and waste collection for these workshops, in exchange for very low wages.
[ 16 March 2021, NES ]  On 16 March 2021, the Health Authority of the Autonomous Administration recorded five deaths, in addition to 45 new cases in its areas of influence. Asharq Al Awsat newspaper quoted Dr. Joan Mustafa, the Joint Head of the Health Authority, who said, “we have noticed an increase in the number of cases and deaths due to the coronavirus, and we urge people to adhere to the preventive measures. We do not rule out returning to lockdown mode in the coming days.' He stressed “the need to adhere to preventive measures, wear masks, and practice social distancing,' adding, “the Crisis Cell is discussing taking the necessary measures, especially during the month of March, which witnesses many activities and events.'
[ 25th March, 2021, Overall Syria ]  13 percent live in non durable shelters, such as tents and unfinished buildings. A comparison of priority needs showed that those living in non durable shelters have a much higher need for food  ( 80 percent )  and housing/shelter support  ( 22 percent ) , compared to those in durable shelters  ( 67 and 4 percent, respectively ) .
[ May 2021, NES & NWS ]  1,034 children under 5  ( 463 girls; 590 in NW Syria and 285 in NE Syria including 66 in Al Hol Camp )  were identified with severe acute malnutrition  ( SAM ) .
[ 12 April 2021, NES ]  Since a fire at an electricity sub station disrupted power to Alouk Water Station on 12 April, the station continues to operate either intermittently and/or at reduced capacity, affecting an estimated one million people including 460,000 people in Al Hasakeh and Tal Tamer Cities, as well as over 70,000 people in Al Hol and other camps and settlements in the area.
[ 18 June 2021, NWS ]  "If this lifeline is cut off, we would see more deaths," said Abdulrahman M., MSF field coordinator for Syria. "If the flow of medical supplies stops through Bab al Hawa, we might lose our ability to treat patients, as our current stock can only last three months. And if the supply of food and potable water is reduced, diseases and epidemics would affect the internally displaced people and local population. Some people in this area have been displaced more than 14 times since the start of the conflict, and they are entirely reliant on humanitarian assistance."
[ 25 June 2021, Damascus, GoS ]  Since 2011, labor market dynamics show a major migration in employment from the private sector to the public sector. 45 percent of respondents have jobs in government and private institutions, 30.3 percent state they are “workmen', while independent professionals such as engineers and lawyers account for 23.1 percent.
[ 9 May 2021, NES ]  Electricity runs for eight hours a day in the city of Tabqa in the western countryside of Raqqa, six hours in the al Jarniyah area north of Tabqa, and only four hours in the al Mansourah area and its villages. The city of Raqqa also receives only four hours of electricity. Meanwhile, the al Karamah area of the eastern countryside receives no more than two hours per day, according to the dam official. All this is “to maintain a sufficient water level to supply irrigation projects and water pumping stations.'
[ 19 June 2021, GoS ]  The Ministry added in a statement that the total number of the coronavirus cases recorded in Syria till now has reached up to 25,076, of which 21,727 have recovered, while 1,841 have passed away.
[ 25 June 2021, Damascus, GoS ]  41 percent of respondents worked 41 60 hours a week, while 24.4 percent said that they worked more than 60 hours a week. In contrast, the figures indicated that the families of 53 percent of all respondents live below the poverty line.
[ 25 June 2021, Damascus, GoS ]  The 26 35 age group maintains the highest employment rate at 77.7 percent, followed by the 36 45 age group with 76.5 percent.
[ 18 June 2021 ]  The Ministry added in a statement that the total number of the coronavirus cases recorded in Syria till now has reached up to 25,035, of which 21,717 have recovered, while 1,837 have passed away.