nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
In July, 532 cases were confirmed, compared to 157 cases in June and 79 cases in May. At the time of writing, authorities have confirmed 2,008 cases in August and 65 in September. Given the limited testing across Syria, it is therefore likely that in particular asymptomatic and mild cases are going undetected and the actual number of cases may far exceed official figures.
As of 24 August, the MoH report around 26,572 tests have been conducted by the Central Public Health Laboratory  ( CPHL )  in Damascus and the public health laboratories in Aleppo, Lattakia and Homs. 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 information relevant to the safeguarding of public health.
Precautionary measures must be clearly and practically explained so that people do not perceive them as necessarily inhibiting their ability to remain employed
Border crossings remain impacted as Syria and neighboring countries continue implementation of precautionary measures. 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.
The European Union has contributed €1.5 million to UNICEF's COVID 19 response in Syria, supporting the most vulnerable children and families.This additional funding will help UNICEF raise awareness of COVID 19 prevention while ensuring improved access for over one million conflict affected children and caregivers to protection, nutrition, education and water and sanitation services during the global spread of Coronavirus.
International commercial passenger flights remain suspended however domestic commercial cargo and passenger flights are ongoing. Tartous and Lattakia ports remain operational, with precautionary measures which have slowed down operations, including mandatory sterilization procedures, and minimum staff.
In addition, 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. Reports indicate that testing can be obtained at five private laboratories, in addition to two new centers  ( Al Jalaa and Tishreen sports city )  in Damascus, in addition to one dedicated to UN staff and diplomats.
On April 16, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Rima Al Qadiri said that 160,000 people had registered on the online platform of the National Strategy for Social Emergency Response  ( NSSER )  to benefit from in kind support. Some 80 percent of those who registered said that they became unemployed following the spread of the virus and the ensuing economic measures, including the lockdowns and curfew. To this day, the government has announced no measure to cope with the impact of rising unemployment except the launch of the NSSER's platform.
Restrictions remain in place at most other crossing points inside Syria. Abu Zendin, Um Jloud and Awn Dadat in Aleppo remain closed, as does Akeirshi and Abu Assi in Ar Raqqa  ( except for students sitting national exams ) . Al Taiha in Aleppo is reported open for commercial traffic. Ghazawiyet Afrin and Deir Ballut in Aleppo are reportedly open for commercial, military, and humanitarian cargo movement but closed to civilian crossings. On 20 July, Bab Al Hawa in Idleb partially reopened for humanitarian workers and emergency medical cases to cross to Turkey.
[ Sept 2020, Rural Aleppo ]  Problems were halting of remittances, disrupted supply routes, credit buying and low purchasing power, inflation / currency devaluation, slow replenishment of stocks and accessibility of food markets.
In particular, WHO, acting on the eight pillars of the global WHO Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, continues engaging the MoH and health partners to enhance technical capacity and awareness, including on rational use of PPEs, case management, infection prevention and control, environmental disinfection, and risk communication; and is focused on procuring and enhancing integral medical supplies including in laboratory testing and PPE for case management and healthcare facilities
[ 8th Oct 2020, Syria ]  The deliberate tactic used throughout this conflict to destroy hospitals and kill medical workers has left Syrians vulnerable to impacts of this pandemic.
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; insufficient water and sanitation infrastructure; significant existing vulnerable populations reliant on humanitarian assistance; challenges accessing certain areas including due to ongoing hostilities; challenges for humanitarian workers to move freely to support and implement humanitarian programmes due to preventive measures including border restrictions; challenges procuring supplies including due to border restrictions, a deteriorating economy and competition for local supplies, as well as sanctions.
[ Sept 2020, Rural Aleppo ]  INGOs and UN agencies should seek to inform the development of state social protection initiatives in Syria, to ensure that they can most effectively support the most vulnerable in responding to shocks; while in coordination increasing cash and voucher assistance as part of the humanitarian response.
The UN RC/HC and WHO Country Representative, along with other UN leadership in country, continue to engage senior officials on the COVID 19 response, including with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister and Deputy Ministers of Health, the Ministers of MoSAL, MoLAE and Ministry of Education, as well as ICRC and SARC.
[ 20th Jan 2021, NSAG ]  Aleppo and Idleb governorate and it's subdistricts had moderate to insufficient provision of space in health facilities to monitor suspected COVID 19 cases.
[ 14th January 2021, Syria ]  Contacted bySyria Direct, WHO Syria assured that “there are joint efforts between MoH, WHO, UNICEF and GAVI to plan for the COVID 19 vaccine introduction. This plan does not exclude any population groups or any areas in the country.' Specifically, WHO said the immunization campaign will utilize immunization cards and registers, as well as monitor the consumption and “wastage of vaccines in each service delivery point.'
[ 8th Oct 2020, NW Syria ]  Our colleagues at WorldVision reported this week that the number of cases in war torn Idlib and the rest of Northwest Syria, confirmed cases have increased by 1,300% in a month.
[ 8th Oct 2020, Syria ]  • Urgently increase the support, both financial and medical, to Syria • Pressure any allies they have within the conflict to prioritise fighting coronavirus over fighting enemies
[ Sept 2020, Rural Aleppo ]  The Protection sector in Syria should collaborate with other sectors, including food security and livelihoods, for a multisectoral response. Gender and protection should be mainstreamed in all sector responses.
UNRWA continued the door to door distribution of medicines reaching 180 vulnerable older persons with pre existing medical conditions in July.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  In addition, other information received has indicated that in past weeks in some areas, existing healthcare facilities have been unable to absorb all suspected cases and/or are suspending surgeries or adapting wards to accommodate increased COVID 19 patients, however subsequent reports suggest this may have alleviate
[ 4th November 2020, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Wednesday that 76 new Coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, and 43 patients have recovered while 3 others have passed away.
An additional one o payment of US$ 10 per person was delivered exceptionally during the second round of cash assistance in 2020 to mitigate the socio economic impact of the COVID 19 crisis.
[ 1st Aug  30th Sept 2002, Syria ]  The Emergency Telecommunications Cluster  ( ETC's )  plan for 2020 is experiencing delays caused by the response to COVID 19 due to movement restrictions and staff availability.
[ 4th November 2020, Overall Syria ] The ministry added in a statement to SANA that the total number of Coronavirus infections registered in the country till now has reached at 5964, out of which 2143 ones have recovered while 301 others have passed away.
[ 29th September, Syria ]  Relief actors report rising food insecurity and malnutrition amid Syria's ongoing economic crisis and large scale displacement. In northwest Syria alone, 4.3 million people are in need of food security and livelihoods assistance.
[ 3rd November 2020, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Tuesday that 45 new Coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, and 39 patients have recovered while 3 others have passed away.
[ 29th September, Syria ] Health actors had confirmed more than 6,500 COVID 19 cases across Syria as of September 29.
[ 3rd November 2020, Overall Syria ]  The ministry added in a statement to SANA that the total number of Coronavirus infections registered in the country till now has reached at 5888, out of which 2100 ones have recovered while 298 others have passed away.
Those inside the country blamed the lack of compliance with public health measures on the lack of reliable and coherent public messaging. They also describe a general sense of fatalism about the virus after ten years of war and an economic crisis.
[ January 2021, Ar Raqqa Governorate ]   [ Mahmoudli Camp Overview: No. of Individual: 10,277 ]  % of 0 5 years old who have received polio vaccinations is 98% and there is presence of health services within the camp.
On August 1, the AA announced a strict lockdown on Tabqa area, closing off all entrances and exits before anyone except medical emergencies and commercial activity. It also banned gatherings altogether in the entire region it controls, including swimming pools, cafes, prayers, and weddings, and allowed restaurants to serve takeouts and delivery only.
The administration of Semalka border crossing allowed a total of 250 people who have residency permits in Kurdistan to cross into the region on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week.
[  November 11, NWS ]  Today, Kamal lives with his parents and 12 other family members in two adjacent tents in Abu Dali camp. They fled their hometown in rural Hama province in February 2019 after it came under heavy shelling. "The camp is overcrowded and hiding from the virus has been challenging"
[ 13th January 2021, Syria ]  Health Ministry announced that 102 new coronavirus cases were registered in the country, and 74 patients have recovered while 9 others have passed away.
Damascus, SANA  The centers of al Jalaa and Tishreen Sport Cities in Damascus On Sunday started to take PCR swabs to detect the coronavirus for those who are willing to travel abroad through Beirut Airport.
[  November 11, NWS ]  “When we first heard of coronavirus, we thought it was a rumour, or nothing more than seasonal flu,' says Kamal. “Now I know that this virus is no joke and it is directly affecting me.'
As of 31 June, the US$ 93.4 million updated COVID 19 flash Appeal was 57.6 per cent funded  ( including con rmed pledges ) , with the Syria portion being 37.3 per cent funded  ( including con rmed pledges ) .
Meanwhile, after falling dramatically in the first three weeks of March, the value of the Syrian pound in the foreign exchange market has somewhat stabilised. Today, the dollar was sold at SYP 1,285 in the black market, a slight increase from last week's price of SYP 1,250.
On 15 July, the Ministry of Finance announced that employment would be suspended for female employees with children in the Ministry and directorates. On 20 July, the MoH announced that halls utilized for events including weddings and condolence gatherings would be closed, unless open air, in which case a 40 per cent capacity must be adhered to.
Awareness raising campaigns on methods and practices to mitigate the risk of COVID 19 transmission in the livestock supply chain. This includes sensitization on safe practices to adopt during market participation and transhumance to summer and winter pastures. Coupled with awareness raising is the distribution of safety materials like personal protective equipment, hygiene kits/disinfectants as appropriate.
Public and private transportation services have also resumed, as have universities and institutions. In the reporting period, the Minister of Health publicly stated that broad based restrictions would not be re imposed due to economic and social impacts.
[ 13th January 2021, Syria ]  In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry said that the total number of coronavirus cases in the country reached up to 12,660, of which 6,259 cases recovered and 799 passed away.
Humanitarian partners report that the volatility of the informal exchange rate had forced temporary suspension of local procurement. Some partners also report that redesign of budgets due to the exchange rate and inflation was being considered, and programme delivery would likely be delayed. As reported in previous updates, even as restrictions have eased, in particular some Health and Nutrition sector partner activities continue to be impacted by preventive measures.
Some 9.4 million people have been reached by television and radio awareness campaigns, two million by printed IEC materials, and nearly six million through social media.
The medical aid includes ventilators, medicines, sterilization materials and testing materials for the Coronavirus, with the aim of supporting efforts to address the pandemic.
Over nine years into the conflict in Syria, existing humanitarian needs of more than 5 million children in the country have been compounded by the global spread of COVID 19,' said UNICEF Representative in Syria Mr. Bo Viktor Nylund.
The UNCT in Syria is focused on reinforcing comprehensive, multi sectoral preparedness and mitigation measures for COVID 19. At the same time, the UNCT is also focused on protecting, assisting and advocating for the most vulnerable, including IDPs, refugees and host communities particularly vulnerable to the pandemic, including by, to the extent possible, working to continue principled programme delivery and provision of life saving assistance across the country
WHO has provided testing kits to the MoH since 12 February. To date, WHO has provided enzyme kits  ( 31,240 reactions ) , extraction kits  ( 27,250 reactions ) , screening kits  ( 57,792 reactions )  and confirmatory testing kits  ( 1,920 tests ) , 52,000swabs and viral transport medium for sample collection, and five polymerase chain reaction  ( PCR )  machines, in addition to 5,000 waste bags and 21,000 bags for samples, and PPE for staff.
As part of ensuring appropriate IPC measures during national examinations, WASH sector partners  ( UNDP, UNICEF, Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Rebuild and Relief International and UNHCR )  supported light rehabilitation of WASH facilities at accommodation and examination centres and provision of WASH items to all accommodation and exam centers; in addition to PPE, hand sanitizers, dignity kits and relevant awareness raising. With 9th grade exams expected to take place next month, WASH partners are coordinating to prepare for similar assistance, with planning to include to support approximately 15,000 students who will travel cross lin
[ 17th September  ]  Restrictions remain in place at most other crossing points inside Syria. Abu Zendin, Um Jloud and Awn Dadat in Aleppo, and Akeirshi and Abu Assi in Ar Raqqa  ( except students )  remain closed.
On April 27, the citizen service centres across the country reopened and started providing essential services and documents such as registering rent contracts, marriages, divorces, and birth certificates. Opening hours remain limited, however. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that its consular offices reopened again from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm every day in Hama, Suweida and Hassakeh.
[ 17th September  ]  Al Taiha in Aleppo is reported open for commercial traffic and students.
In addition, WHO further supported one day workshops on triage, IPC/PPE, case definition and referral pathways at 226 primary health care centres in 13 governorates, and a further 50 healthcare providers at isolation hospitals on IPC and waste management. UNICEF supported training for 86 NGO health workers and IYCF program volunteers on IPC measures and rational use of PPE in Homs.
Since 2016, the European Union has provided more than €34 million in funding for UNICEF's support to children in Syria, including a recent generous contribution of €7.5 million in September 2019.
[ 17th September  ]  Ghazawiyet Afrin and Deir Ballut in Aleppo are open for commercial, military, and humanitarian cargo movement
[ 29th September, Syria ]  The risk for COVID 19 spread in Syria remains high due to fragile health care systems, high levels of population displacement, densely crowded IDP settlements, and logistical difficulties implementing COVID 19 preparedness, mitigation, testing, and response measures across varying areas of control.
While there remain gaps in the data, at least two facilities scored as basic/inadequate under clinical management, six under disinfection and waste management, 18 under equipment and supplies, 13 under infrastructure, 15 under IPC training for staff, four under PPE use and hand hygiene, four under referral and 25 under staff health. Further follow up is currently being conducted to verify these findings and address gaps in coverage
[ 17th September  ]  Otherwise, the daily curfew remains lifted, as has the travel ban between and within governorates. Markets, restaurants, cafes, gyms, parks, theaters, cinemas and most leisure facilities remain open, with mandated precautionary measures
The Health Ministry on Sunday announced that 75 new Coronavirus  ( COVID 19 )  cases have been registered in Syria, and that 15 patients have recovered, while 3 others have passed away.
Nearly 70% of health facilities and hospitals in the country are out of service due to the ongoing civil war. Health service in much of the country is currently limited to services provided by the Red Crescent and some local clinics which are in dire need of medical resources.
The Ministry said that the total number of Coronavirus cases registered in Syria till now reached 2703, of which 614 recovered, and 109 passed away.
As of 26 May, some 4,300 tests have been conducted by the Central Public Health Laboratory  ( CPHL )  in Damascus, with an additional 63 tests by the public health laboratories in Aleppo, 335 in Lattakia and 185 in Homs.
The first Coronavirus case in the country was registered on Mar 22nd while the first death was reported on 29th of the same month.
The majority of collective shelters with only 2 to 3 hours a day are found in Dana  ( 6 shelters ) , 2 are in Salqin, while 1 is in Afrin.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  From 13 September, wedding halls, condolence/funeral halls and meeting halls are allowed to open with mandated precautionary measures.
The first COVID 19 case in northwest Syria was identified on 9 July. As of 21 July, 22 cases have been identified from 2,954 tested samples. Of these, 15 cases are in northern Idleb governorate, with 7 cases in Sarmada sub district, 2 cases in Dana sub district, 3 cases in Atma sub district, 2 cases in Bab Al Hawa and 2 cases in Idleb. The remaining 7 cases are in A'zaz  ( 3 )  and Al Bab  ( 4 )  sub districts in northern Aleppo governorate. Five cases were reported to be recovered and no deaths were reported. Contact tracing is ongoing for all positive cases, and health partners are focusing on interrupting virus transmissions and reducing secondary infections.
Enhanced efforts to support public messaging from health professionals may increase community trust in the response. Fifty percent of our respondents identify health professionals as the most trusted information source, but only 11% are receiving information from them. This may also explain the thematic information gaps, with people needing more information on identifying symptoms  ( 43% )  and what to do next: “What to do if sick'  ( 58% ) , treatment  ( 53% ) , and testing  ( 47% ) . Females emphasise the need to know where to access reliable information about the virus as well as the current location of cases.
The poor nutrition situation is largely attributed to continued exposure of children and PLW to unsafe living conditions, diseases  ( including impacts of COVID 19 ) , suboptimal infant and young child feeding  ( IYCF )  practices, high maternal malnutrition, economic downturn, low purchasing power, poverty, food insecurity, family separations and poor care practices, early marriages, and destruction of infrastructure causing limited access to health services, and inadequate sanitation and water supply.
[  November 11, NWS ]  In the overcrowded camps, the risk of COVID 19 transmission is high and self isolation is difficult, if not impossible. Regular handwashing is also a challenge, as many people rely on water collected from shared tanks. “My main concern is to get as far away as possible from anyone with suspected COVID 19,' says Kamal. “The camp is overcrowded and hiding from the virus has been challenging.'
We also have significant anecdotal evidence from government controlled areas of people displaying severe COVID 19 symptoms, some of whom have already lost their lives
[ 12th October 2020, Syria ]  Ghabbash called for lifting the economic coercive measures imposed on Syria which restrict the ability of heath sector to perform its duty toward Syrians to protect their health security, where several countries have strong health and economic systems to address the pandemic and save the spirits , while the US and European countries continue imposing their inhuman blockade on Syria and its people.
[ April 4, GoS ]  The Ministry of Education decides to suspend the working hours of its institutes  ( Industrial, commercial, home economics, computer technology, sports, art and music education )  For a period of two weeks, starting from Monday 4/5/2021 AD until Saturday 4/17/2021 AD, in accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
For in kind food distribution, UNRWA continues to apply appropriate hygiene and physical distancing practices at distribution centres to mitigate risk of COVID 19. Distribution staffs are also provided with PPEs for the same purpose.
Stay at home restrictions during Ramadan remain in place from 7:30 pm to 6:00 am every day. Public transport remains banned, while cinemas, sports clubs, theatres and cultural centres remain closed.
[ 12th October 2020, Syria ]  He added that despite the challenges imposed by the war conditions and besiege, the health sector has put all its humanitarian and material potentials within the available possibilities to confront coronavirus pandemic by specification centers of treatment , quarantine and isolation and applying treatment and preventive protocols and updating them according to global and local developments.
[  November 11, NWS ]  The camp where Umm Ahmed lives hosts around 50 families, all of whom share a single water tank and three toilet blocks. “It's impossible to wash your hands regularly in the camp without putting yourself at risk,' she says. As the economic situation for Umm Ahmed's family worsens, she has found it increasingly difficult to afford soap and detergents to protect herself and her family from COVID 19. Recently she received a hygiene kit, containing soap, detergents and buckets, from MSF, which has been distributing hygiene kits to displaced families across northwest Syria since April.
To date, WHO has delivered two shipment of PPEs  ( 28,641 items )  and six thermal screening devices to Al Hol Camp  ( four for the main gate, two for the Annex ) ; with two devices delivered in the reporting period; and has trained personnel in thermal screening
Overall, only 57 public hospitals  ( 64 per cent )  are fully functioning in the country. There is also a considerable shortage of trained staff and a high turnover rate, all of which reduce its capacity to manage cases, and of medical equipment essential for case management, including ventilators.
Sanitation campaigns are ongoing, as are awareness campaigns, including during the reporting period Syria Al Yamama undertaking hygiene promotion for community leaders in IDP shelters and host communities in Al Hasakeh, and at Al Hol, for 600 people.
While the number of confirmed COVID 19 cases in Syria remains relatively low, cases have increased more than five fold in the past month – from 50 as of 16 May to 417 as of 14 July – with new clusters emerging following a series of repatriation flights and cross border commercial movement
Following the joint UN agency awareness campaign across all phases, daily awareness sessions continue. Food, NFI and Hygiene kit distributions are taking place on a two month rotation. In the reporting period, partners reported improvement in water supply in all phases of the camp.
[  November 11, NWS ]  “There are still things we can do to avoid catching the virus,' says Umm Ahmed. “I've stopped going out as much as I can, and I avoid being around other people. It keeps me and my family safe. But I can't ban my children from playing outside with the other kids. They're young, they need to play, and our tent is very small. I understand it's a risk, but how can I stop them?'
Damascus, SANA –Health Ministry on Saturday evening announced that 30 new Coronavirus  ( COVID 19 )  cases have been registered in Syria, and that 15 patients infected with the virus have recovered, while 2 patients have passed away.
The income of rural households has been decreased due to reduced remittances, limited opportunities for daily labour, closure of local markets and decline in local demand. This constrains their ability to purchase inputs – such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, animal feed and treatment – for the next planting season.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights  ( SOHR )  reported that more than 2,000 coronavirus cases have been recorded in the areas of the Syrian regime. However, the official tally remains below 200 amid the regime's policy of secrecy.
[  November 11, NWS ]  Even before the lockdown, daily life has become much more expensive and many people are struggling to keep their heads above water. “Earlier in October, markets, mosques and schools were closed for some days, but they were open again soon after,' says Hassan, MSF logistics manager. “Lots of people rely on markets to make a living, so they can't afford to be out of business for a long period of time.'
[ 29th September, Syria ]  Of the total, 3.7 million are food insecure and approximately 615,000 are at risk of 3 food insecurity and in need of livelihoods support.
This brings the total number of Coronavirus cases in Syria to 3540, the toll of the recoveries to 842 and the mortality to 155 ones.
The situation in the regions of the Democratic Autonomous Administration  ( DAA )  in North and East Syria are different. After the recording of eight confirmed coronavirus cases and dozens of suspected cases in the Gozarto  ( Jazira )  Region, the Crisis Cell of the DAA imposed several measures, including a curfew between cities, a general curfew during Eid al Adha, the banning of social gatherings in cafes, weddings, and prayers in places of worship, in addition to suspending the working hours in the universities and kindergartens.
Al Bukamal Al Quaem crossing is reported to be still closed from the Syrian side, and Ras al Ain border crossing also remains closed except in limited circumstances. Tabqa crossing point is reported as currently open to commercial and humanitarian cargo, and medical cases and students are also reported allowed to across after undergoing rapid temperature screening, which may not provide a reliable indication of infection.
Damascus, SANA For the second day, the daily Coronavirus infection toll decreased to nearly half in Syria as Health Ministry announced on Sunday evening that 34 new Coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, while 15 patients have recovered and 3 ones have passed away.
Markets, restaurants, cafes, gyms, parks, theaters, cinemas and most leisure facilities are now open, so long as precautionary COVID 19 measures are adopted. Mosques and churches are also open, so long as physical distancing is observed. Public and private transportation services have also resumed, as have universities and institutions. Parliamentary elections are scheduled for 19 July.
Throughout June, the informal SYP/USD exchange rate has experienced extreme volatility, at one point rising to the highest rate on record – approximately SYP 3,200 to US$ 1 on 8 June. In early July, the informal exchange rate has continued to fluctuate, albeit at more moderate levels, and at the time of writing was approximately SYP 2,400.
The Ministry indicated in a statement to SANA that the total number of coronavirus infections registered in the country till now reached to 3289, of which 760 patients have recovered while 140 ones have passed away.
[  November 11, NWS ] The number of COVID 19 cases in northwest Syria has steadily increased since July, leading local authorities to impose a limited lockdown on 6 November to help slow down transmission.
Initial findings indicate a major economic downturn and significant social impacts, all amplified by the ongoing financial crisis in Lebanon. Early analysis points to a major loss of livelihoods as well as remittances, particularly in view of Syria diaspora in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. The informal sector has also been particularly impacted, where incomes are close to the poverty line and where there is no social protection safety net.
Key activities have included developing sectoral specific guidance on risk mitigation, information dissemination among partners, and development of sector specific response plans incorporated in the operational response plan.
To enhance diagnosis and prioritize increased testing capacity, WHO continues to support the CPHL in Damascus. Rehabilitation of the CPHL to establish a designated laboratory for COVID 19 was completed in June; in addition two airconditioners and two refrigerators were procured; two air conditioners and four refrigerators were fixed; and the laboratory generator repaired. On site training for 24 CPHL laboratory technicians has also been completed.
To date, WHO has delivered more than 2.5 million PPE items, including surgical masks, gloves, reusable heavy duty aprons, gowns, headcovers, alcohol hand rubs, medical masks, goggles and coveralls, and alcohol hand rubs. Shipments of PPE and sterilization items have also been dispatched to Qamishli National Hospital, the DoH in Al Hasakeh, and in Deir Ez Zor
As numbers of patients with COVID 19 grow in northeast Syria, the pandemic is having a knock on impact on other health services in a region where some 700,000 people are displaced from their homes.
UNFPA also provided PPE to partners in the reporting period, including 500,000 medical masks, 7,500 boxes of latex gloves, 5,000 disposable gloves, 5,000 liters of alcohol. 5,000 hand gels, and 1,000 bottle surface sanitizers, in addition to 130,600 antiseptic soap bars and 15,000 PPE kits to SARC.
Further, Première Urgence Internationale  ( PUI )  has now completed rehabilitation of the quarantine centre in Deir Ez Zor, and light rehabilitation of WASH systems at Dar'a  ( Al Bassel Education Centre )  and at the Health Institute in Deir Ez Zor.
Testing is limited, but of those tests carried out, around half return a positive result. This suggests that transmission rates are high and that much more testing is needed.
[  November 11, NWS ]  For Kamal – the sole breadwinner for a family of 15 – the economic repercussions of the pandemic are more life threatening than the pandemic itself. Before COVID 19 and the subsequent restrictions, Kamal used to find work on construction sites whenever the opportunity arose. Although it was never a stable job, he did his best to support his family.
[ 29th September, Syria ]  Food price increases  combined with protracted conflict, prolonged large scale internal displacement, and the economic consequences of COVID 19 related restrictions have resulted in a sharp increase in food insecurity, particularly in opposition held areas of northwest Syria, where a June UN survey found that more than 70 percent of households reported incomes insufficient to meet daily food needs
9 collective shelters have electricity only for two to three hours per day; 28 collective shelters have electricity for four to six hours per day; 20 collective shelters have electricity between six to twelve hours a day; while 4 collective shelters have electricity for more than twelve hours
There's no question that we are seeing increases in COVID 19 cases across northeast Syria. As of 24 August, there were 394 confirmed cases – nearly a fifth among health workers.
[ 2nd July 2020, Syria ]  Nineteen safe spaces for women and girls in Syria had to temporarily close due to lockdown measures.
From what we know, the cities of Hassakeh and Qamishli are the current hotspots. We are worried that this may soon shift to the city of Raqqa, another densely populated area hosting large numbers of displaced people, and still recovering from the destruction of war. Health services are scarce, and access to water and sanitation is poor.
[ 2nd July 2020, Syria ]  At clinics in Syria, for instance, patient numbers have been reduced and staff are required to wear personal protective equipment in some clinical settings
There are limited hospital beds available for isolation or intensive care in the region. As COVID 19 spreads, various local government and humanitarian agencies have plans to make more beds available in different locations.
[ 4th Sept 2020, Syria ]  As concrete examples, some 614,000 individuals were reached though WhatsApp groups, outreach volunteers and mass communication campaigns in Syria.
[ 11th November 2020, Overall Syria ]  The Ministry said, in a statement to SANA, that the total number of Coronavirus cases registered in the country has reached 6421 so far, of which 2504 recovered while 329 patients passed away.
Working with the Kurdish Red Crescent, MSF is supporting the only dedicated COVID 19 hospital in northeast Syria, on the outskirts of Hassakeh city, which also has some intensive care capacity.
Once movement restrictions are lifted and the economic slowdown hits harder, socio political instability could increase in several countries due to different factors
The government has allowed all local markets, retail shops, industrial concerns and the services sectors to reopen every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Most of these had been able to open only one or two days per week. The government also ordered local authorities to ban crowding in shops and other business places during working hours
Tartous and Lattakia ports remain operational, with precautionary measures which have slowed down operations, including mandatory sterilization procedures, and minimum staff.
Aggravation of core socioeconomic grievances with rising levels of unemployment  ( particularly among the youth ) , loss of income and livelihoods, increasing poverty, inequalities and food insecurity. This can further exacerbate existing social discontent and fragmentation – especially in countries with pre existing and compounding economic crises. Analysis indicates that, in the coming months, levels of civil unrest risk being higher and having more destabilizing effects compared to recent years.
Some companies are reporting the consequences of the lockdown and travel restrictions on their operations, such as Al Ahliah Transport, which said that passenger transport had entirely stopped, while revenues from cargo and money transfer services had declined by 85 percent.
COVID 19 related movement restrictions and external economic shocks are causing a direct loss of employment, livelihoods and purchasing power, particularly affecting workers in the informal labour market who rely on daily income for basic goods and services. These workers represent 54 percent of the labour force  ( ILO 2020 )  and over 80 percent in agriculture  ( ECLAC CEPAL 2020 ) .
The assessment showed greater impact of COVID 19 on refugees and displaced persons with disabilities with 69 percent of Lebanese households compared to 78 percent of Palestinian households and 93 percent of Syrian households reporting not being able to meet all their food needs in April 2020.
[ 7th March, NES ]  Overall, 57.63% of lab confirmed COVID 19 cases have been recorded amongst men, compared to 42.37% among women. In terms of the age break down of cases, 67% of all confirmed COVID 19 cases in February have been recorded amongst under 60s, but all COVID deaths from this month took place among the population over the age of 60.
respondents in the first round of data collection, which was conducted in late April as communication efforts and curfews were well under way.
Director of School Health Department at the Ministry Hatoun al Tawashi told SANA in a statement that the Ministry worked on maintaining place distance among the students during the exam, asserting that the Ministry called its departments at the provinces to commit to the daily disinfection procedure of the exam's centers before and after starting the exam.
Overall, gaps remain most extensive in informal settlements, informal camps as well as in collective centres outside Al Hasakeh city. In Deir Ez Zor alone, almost 3,000 HHs living in these last resort sites are currently not being covered with any COVID 19 related assistance.
The ministry also allowed the school cadres and observers to wear the masks during their presence at the exam center and to sterilize the hands of the students while entering the center, in addition to other preventive measures.
[ November 3 2020,NorthEast Syria ]  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
The report indicated that the actual number of COVID 19 cases in NES is likely much higher due to significant under testing, particularly in areas outside Al Hasakeh, along with lockdown measures in many areas being arbitrary
Reports from the The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs  ( OCHA )  indicate that one in four confirmed cases are amongst health workers in NES with the greatest concentration in Hassakeh city
As of 21 August, 280 people have tested positive for COVID 19 in Northeast Syria  ( NES ) , including 36 recoveries and 16 fatalities.The highest concentration of cases is in Al Hasakeh Governorate
Similar social distancing measures, including the partial or total closure of border posts and crossings inside Syria, have been adopted in the three main areas outside the control of the central government namely the SDF controlled northeast, the Turkish controlled regions north of Aleppo, and the Idlib region. No positive Covid 19 cases have been recorded in these areas.
The risk of a large scale outbreak in NES remains high, as risk perception varies amongst communities and potentially creates a false sense of security.1 As a result, humanitarian actors continue to face uncertainty in terms of the effect that new preventive measures will have on humanitarian operations.
[ November 3 2020,NorthEast Syria ]  As of 3 November, there were 68 staff from 3 health NGOs in self isolation or self quarantine. A further 138 health staff from 6 NGOs have been in self isolation or self quarantine at some point during October
[ November 3 2020,NorthEast 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 ) .
The Humanitarian Needs Assessment Programme's  ( HNAP )  26 August 2020 COVID 19 Rapid Assessment showed that community lockdowns and total curfews were in place in a majority of communities in AlHasakeh Governorate, but are absent in Aleppo, Ar Raqqa, and Deirez Zor
Awareness campaigns were in place mostly in Al Hasakeh, while temperature checks and distribution of soap/disinfectant/masks were available in very few sub districts, with most available in Al Hasakeh only
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.
[ 12th January 2021, Syria ]  Health Ministry on Tuesday announced that 96 new coronavirus were registered in Syria, while 87 patients recovered, and 9 passed away.
Over half of newly displaced persons cited "other" as their primary motivation for displacement, while 46 percent cited economic hardship as the predominate factor encouraging displacement. Unlike previous months, where individuals were likely to flee violence, an increasing percentage instead relocated to areas where they could more comfortably cope with COVID conditions.
On the economic front, the government has still not provided details on how it planned to spend the SYP 100 billion it has allocated to confront the epidemic. This number may include tax exemptions granted last week to businesses. The prices of essential goods have continued to increase. In March, the price of key food commodities such as cereals, canned food, vegetables and eggs increased by between 40 and 75 percent, according to local media.
According to Observatory statistics, the number of confirmed cases, since July 9 to date, rise to 89, including two doctors were residing in Turkey
Breakdown of the cases is as follows: 39 cases, including medical staff in HTS held areas in Idlib, parts of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia, and 48 cases in the areas controlled by Turkish backed factions, north of Aleppo.While recovery cases in north western Syria have risen to 61
Once steady regional return rates have dropped significantly in recent months, from 302 in April down to only 10 in May 2020. All returns from abroad and within Syria resettled in Lower Shyookh, Aleppo, where they reportedly owned their own homes.
[ 12th January 2021, Syria ]  In a statement to SANA, the Ministry noted that the total number of the registered coronavirus cases in Syria up till now has reached up to 12,558 of which 6,185 cases have recovered, while 790 have passed away.
North east Syria witnessed the lowest rate of monthly displacement in the past calendar year, only 540 individuals left their home. This is a massive decline from over 9,600 displaced in at the begining of the year and 2,604 in the previous month.The majority of those displaced left western areas of Aleppo where on going curfews and movement restrictions have limited mobility. COVID 19 mitigation measures, while necessary to limit the spread of disease, influenced distinct displacement motivation.
On going market closures and curfews further impact households, limiting their ability to secure employment and meet basic needs. These needs are unlikely to fluctuate until the end of COVID 19 restrictions. In HNAP's recent COVID 19 monitoring, there were little to no changes in transit point openings, hindering mobility and disabling return movement in north east Syria. Regional return rates will likely remain limited as transit points remain closed to civilians traveling between regions and bordering countries.
collective shelters have severe damages to the roof with several large holes observed in the roof making it difficult to repair. The highest concentration of severely damaged roofs was reported in Dana  ( 4 collective shelters ) .
To date, the Syrian MoH has reported 178 people with COVID 19 across Syria, including 100 cases in Damascus; 67 in Rural Damascus; one in Dar'a; one in Lattakia; one in Hama; two in As Sweida; five in Homs; and one additional case where the location has yet to be announced. The most recent fatality involving a 70 year old female was announced on 17 June.
[ 22 January, Syria ]  During the session, the People's Assembly approved the draft law on the ratification of the Partnership Framework Agreement with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, signed between the Ministry of Health, on behalf of Syria, and Gavi, in order to obtain vaccines or cash support.
National laboratory testing capacity for COVID 19 diagnosis has been expanded from one location – Damascus – to four  ( Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, and Lattakia ) ;
[ 29 october 2020 ]  Damascus, SANA Health Ministry announced on Thursday that 53 new Coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, adding that 37 patients have recovered while 3 others have passed away.
[ 29 october 2020 ]  In a statement to SANA, the ministry indicated that the total number of Coronavirus infections registered in the country till now has reached at 5633, out of which 1898 ones have recovered while 281 others have passed away
The closure of schools as a COVID 19 mitigation measure possibly increased children's risk of being sent to work.
At the moment, there is almost no healthcare available as many health facilities have closed as a result of the knock on effects of COVID 19.
A source from Mahrukat, the state entity distributing oil products, said that oil consumption had declined by around 50 percent since the imposition of movement restrictions and the curfew. This may not necessarily be good news for the government, which generates a significant portion of its cash from the sale of oil products. The government buys its oil from Iran but does not pay for it in cash and hence makes a significant profit by selling it in the market.
At present, just five of these clinics are operational, including MSF's clinic in the Annex. Since we were able to reopen it in late July, we have seen more than 1,000 patients.
UNRWA continues to support increased sanitation activities at the nine official and accessible Palestine refugee camps  ( and one informal camp ) , and UNDP continues to support municipalities in solid waste collection and removal activities in Aleppo, Al Hasakeh, Rural Damascus and Dar'a governorates, with 600 workers recruited
Until last week there was no emergency medical care available in the main camp. Thankfully, some limited services have been able to restart. But it's not clear how long this can be sustained, given the high rates of infection among health staff.
71 Collective Shelters have the presence of vulnerable people living within their collective shelters. Of these centres, there were reported to be 695 pregnant or lactating women, 2600 individual members of female headed households, 245 males with disabilities, and 135 females over the age of 12 having a disability.
[ April 3, GoS ]  The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research suspends working hours in Syrian public and private universities and institutes for a period of two weeks, starting from Monday 04/05/2021 until Saturday 04/17/2021.
Twenty two collective shelters are schools, 14 of which are located in Salqin sub district. 16 collective centres in Salqin and Dana normally are poultry farms, but now host 733 IDPs. 14 collective shelters are unfinished buildings or abandoned residential buildings, over half of which  ( 8 )  are located in Afrin sub district.
only 5 collective shelters of the 87 collective shelters assessed during this assessment were reported to have construction features that reflected the needs of people with disabilities.
There are currently 2 PCR machines active in the Qamislhi laboratory  ( and a further 1 machine active in Tall Refaat ) . A second room has been prepared in the Qamishli laboratory which can accommodate a further 2 PCR machines.
Of the 19,464 people living in collective shelters, 20% are men, 26% are women, and 54% are children. 1 As the majority of IDPs are children, the burden of childcare will likely fall to the women and could be resulting in negative coping mechanisms to ensure the children are getting enough food and water. 3% of the residents are elderly, over the age of 60 years old