nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
[ 1 March  31 March 2021, GoS, NWS & NES ]  As of 29 March, the Ministry of Health  ( MoH )  has recorded a total 18,638 cases of COVID 19 in government controlled areas, along with 1,247 deaths. In NW Syria, there were a total of 21,289 confirmed cases, including a total of 637 related deaths. In NE Syria, 9,898 cases have been reported, with 375 deaths. WHO has reported an increase in the weekly trend of new cases across Syria, by 22%, 88%, and 44% in weeks 10, 11 and 12 of 2021, respectively. While the data is not comparable due to differences in the overall context and testing modalities, the reported case fatality rates in government controlled areas, NW Syria and NE Syria, were 6.8%, 3%, and 3.7%, respectively.
[ 1 March  31 March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Devaluation of the local currency against the US Dollar and volatility in the informal exchange rate continued. On 22 March, the Central Bank of Syria announced a new preferential exchange rate of SYP 2,500 to the US Dollar. This is a significant increase from the previous official rate of SYP 1,256, bringing the new rate closer to that in the informal market  ( over SYP 3,500 ) .
[ April 2021, GoS ]  Severe fuel shortages continued to affect beneficiaries' ability to reach WFP food and voucher distribution points as well as other services, due to the increasing prices of public transportation in the coastal governorates in April.
[  29 April 2021, NES ]  In northeast Syria, the AANES confronted the new wave by imposing a total curfew in the cities of Raqqa, Qamishli and Hasakah because infection rates there were higher than other areas, in which it imposed a partial curfew of shop closures from 4pm to 6am. But the continued tally of large numbers of cases drove the AANES to impose a comprehensive curfew in all areas under its control from April 13 to April 22, with a partial curfew extended for all areas until April 29. A complete curfew was held in place in Hasakah province, Tabqa city and the western Raqqa countryside.
[ April 2021, Overall Syria ]  In April 2021, more than nine out of ten interviewed households  ( 91 percent )  reported applying at least one food based coping strategy to meet their food consumption needs, an increase of 11 percent since April 2020. As a result of the continued economic downturn and its impact on increasing food prices, seven out of ten interviewed households across Syria reported that they bought food on credit  ( an increase of 11 percent since April 2020 ) , with peaks recorded in Quneitra  ( 80 percent )  and Ar Raqqa  ( 77 percent ) . The reported adoption of this strategy was most common among returnees  ( 76 percent )  and IDPs  ( 76 percent ) , while it remained very high also among residents  ( 67 percent ) , signaling a general worsening in economic living conditions for all population groups in Syria.
[ 5 13th April 2021, NES ]  In April, the regional median price for transport fuel was 575 SYP per litre, an increase of 2% since March and an increase of 77% since October 2020. The price of high quality petrol increased by 6% since March, and by 60% since October 2020. The price of high quality diesel saw the greatest change, which increased by 167% since March, a 191% increase since October 2020.
[ 11 24 May 2021, Awn Dadat Internal Crossing, Aleppo ]   [ Retrieved from table ]  In last 2 weeks total number of traversers from Turkish Backed Armed Forces to Syrian Democratic Forces are 0. In last 2 weeks total number of traversers from Syrian Democratic Forces to Turkish Backed Armed Forces are 0 because the crossing was closed.
[ May 2021, NES ]  During the reporting period, 19 percent of surveyed households reported facing challenges in accessing medical care services, an increase by eight percentage points since May 2020, with peaks recorded in Ar Raqqa  ( 30 percent )  and Al Hasakeh  ( 27 percent ) .
[ 5 13th April 2021, Al Hasakeh, NES ]  In April, the SYP appreciated against the USD. The informal USD/SYP regional median exchange rate decreased by 11%, seeing a regional median of 3,413 USD/SYP. The highest exchange rate was recorded at 3,550 SYP for 1 USD in Shaddadah community, in Al Hasakeh governorate.
[ May 2021, Overall Syria ]  The trend of not being able to access medical care services was more pronounced among returnees  ( 24 percent )  and IDPs  ( 20 percent )  compared to residents  ( 17 percent ) . Additionally, 37 percent of interviewed households reported not being able to purchase the necessary medicines in May 2021, mainly due to a lack of financial resources  ( 82 percent )  and a shortage of medicines in pharmacies  ( 14 percent ) .
[ 5 13th April 2021, NES ]  Prices for manually refined fuels showed different price developments between March and April. Manually refined diesel decreased by 17% since March, returning to the same price as 6 months ago in October 2020. Conversely, manually refined petrol increased by 46% since March, an increase of 58% since October 2020.
[ May 2021, Overall Syria ]  As the pandemic outbreak continued to surge throughout the country and Syria started to receive supplies of COVID 19 vaccine, around 71 percent of surveyed households nationwide reported their intent to have all household members vaccinated were the COVID 19 vaccine made available to them free of charge. However, nine percent of interviewed households preferred to wait until the effectiveness of the vaccine has been confirmed, while around 16 percent of surveyed households reported unwillingness to get vaccinated even if the vaccine is available and free of charge.
[ 5 13th April 2021, NES ]  The price of manually refined kerosene, primarily used for cooking and heating, increased by 13% since March. This continues an 80% six month price increase since October 2020. The price increase is attributed to an increase in unavailability. In April, manually refined kerosene was reported as unavailable by 16% of vendors, an increase of 5 percentage points since March. However, LP gas remained stable with no change since March, decreased by 3% in price since October 2020, and continued to be recorded as available by 100% of surveyed vendors.
[ 5 13th April 2021, NES ]  The value of the regional SMEB food component increased slightly by 1% between March and April, again reaching a record high median value of 267,750 SYP. The price of the SMEB vegetable component increased by 33% since March. The price development for monitored vegetables varied. Increases in price were seen for cucumbers  ( 58% ) , onions  ( 40% ) , and tomatoes  ( 50% ) . According to REACH field teams, these price developments are likely due to the more expensive reliance on the import of fresh foods from GoS areas, affected by high transportation costs and increasing dollar exchange rates. However, potatoes decreased in price by 4% since March as they are now in season and produced locally.
[ 5 13th April 2021, NES ]  The cost of chicken decreased by 16% since March, primarily as a result of SYP gaining back some value, and partially due to the reduced requirements of heating needed for poultry farming. However, this is a 65% increase in price since October 2020. The cost of eggs also decreased by 7% since March, yet increased by 58% since October 2020.
[ May 2021, NES & GoS ]  Loss of income and employment opportunities had a negative impact on households' food consumption. In May 2021, around 39 percent of surveyed households across Syria who reported losses of income also reported inadequate food consumption and 93 percent of respondents indicated having relied on at least one food based coping strategy. Moreover, around 21 percent of interviewed households in Syria who had mentioned receiving the same or more income sources in previous rounds of the survey since December 2020, reported having lost one or more sources of income in May 2021. This figure was highest in AlHasakeh  ( 34 percent ) , Dar'a  ( 30 percent ) , and Deir ez Zor  ( 30 percent ) .
[ May 2021, NES & GoS ]  Broken down by governorate, in May 2021, the highest proportion of households with poor or borderline food consumption was recorded in Ar Raqqa  ( 60 percent ) , an increase of 20 percentage points year on year, followed by Aleppo  ( 48 percent ) . On the other hand, Damascus  ( 24 percent )  recorded the lowest level of inadequate food consumption in May 2021, which however witnessed a nearly three quarter percent increase from the level recorded in May 2020.
[ May 2021, Overall Syria ]  Between April and May 2021, the national average reduced Coping Strategy Index  ( rCSI )  slightly decreased from 20.5 to 19.1. In May 2021, nearly nine out of ten interviewed households  ( 89 percent )  reported applying at least one food based coping mechanism to meet their food consumption needs, an increase of nine percent since May 2020, with a higher proportion recorded among female headed households  ( 93 percent ) . As a result of the continued degradation of the coping capacity and purchasing power of Syrian households, more than seven out of ten interviewed households across Syria  ( 73 percent )  indicated that they bought food on credit  ( a three percentage points increase from a month earlier and up by 11 percent year on year ) , with a higher share recorded among female headed households  ( 80 percent ) .
[ May 2021, GoS & NES ] The trend of buying food on credit was more pronounced in Homs  ( 82 percent ) , with an increase of 15 percent since May 2020, followed by Al Hasakeh  ( 80 percent ) . Also, the reported adoption of this strategy was most common among returnees  ( 79 percent )  and IDPs  ( 76 percent ) , while it remained very high among residents  ( 70 percent ) , signaling a general upward trend in households' indebtedness for all population groups.
[ May 2021, Overall Syria ]  According to displacement status, the average rCSI  ( reduced Coping Strategy Index )  was highest among IDPs and returnees. In May 2021, approximately 91 percent of the surveyed households for each group  ( IDPs and returnees )  reported relying on at least one food based coping mechanism to cover their essential food needs amid the worsening economic conditions, compared to 87 percent for resident households.
[ May 2021, NES & GoS ]  The deteriorating economic situation and the widespread loss of livelihoods have led the Syrian families to further adopt food based coping strategies. In May 2021, 71 percent of interviewed households reported relying on less preferred or less expensive food, up by 14 percentage points from May 2020, with peaks recorded in Al Hasakeh  ( 80 percent )  and Hama  ( 80 percent ) .
[ May 2021, Overall Syria ]  The COVID 19 pandemic has led to a significant expansion in multi sector needs, spurring further deterioration of the general food security situation nationwide.
[ May 2021, Overall Syria ]  COVID 19 continued to negatively impact Syrian households by disrupting access to markets. A problem that has been exacerbated by the ongoing fuel crisis countrywide. In May 2021, a third of interviewed households  ( 33 percent )  indicated facing difficulties in reaching markets, an increase of three percentage points from April 2021, with a higher proportion recorded among female headed households  ( 39 percent ) . This represents the highest national average level recorded since April 2020.
[ May 2021, NES ]  At the governorate level, more than half of the surveyed households  ( 51 percent )  in Al Hasakeh and 43 percent of respondents in Ar Raqqa reported not having access to markets during May 2021, an increase of 12 and 10 percentage points, respectively, from a month earlier. The reduced access to markets in both governorates happened concurrently with the surge of COVID 19 cases across northeast Syria and was heavily impacted by the imposed curfew in this region during most of May. In Al Hasakeh, around five percent of interviewed households indicated that markets were closed in May
[ May 2021, Overall Syria ]  From interviews conducted in May 2021, close to half of the surveyed households with no regular access to markets nationwide  ( 45 percent )  had poor or borderline food consumption, up by 16 percentage points year on year. Furthermore, in May 2021, overall five percent of interviewed households reported difficulties in obtaining remittances and/or food assistance due to movement restrictions or security issues over the past month, with a higher proportion observed in Deir ez Zor  ( 15 percent ) .
[ May 2021, Overall Syria ]  During the reporting period, 28 percent of surveyed households indicated job lay offs. This was the case even among breadwinners having university degrees  ( 35 percent ) . Also, nearly one out of five interviewed households in Syria  ( 18 percent )  reported reduction of revenues from business activities or agricultural sales.
[ May 2021, NES & GoS ]  At the governorate level, in May 2021, Al Hasakeh  ( 52 percent )  and As Sweida  ( 46 percent )  recorded the highest proportion of surveyed households having lost one or more sources of income. Nearly 18 percent of surveyed households in Al Hasakeh and 11 percent in As Sweida lost almost all their May income.
[ MARCH, 2021, Overall Syria ]  The IDP spontaneous returns include IDPs returning to their homes or communities of origin, which was 22,890 within 200 communities.
[ 9 June 2021, GoS ]  The procedure for receiving the vaccine “formally' depends on registration through an electronic platform launched by the Ministry of Health. On that platform, those wishing to receive the vaccine should enter some of their data. A text message will then be sent to the applicants, including their application number and the date of their vaccination.
[ 9 June 2021, GoS ]  The anonymous sources pointed out that several doctors refrained from receiving their jabs out of fear of the side effects of the offered vaccines. The doctors are still hoping to get Pfizer instead.
[ 9 June 2021, GoS ]  The anonymous sources indicated that the Health Directorates in Damascus and its countryside have granted the vaccine to dozens of “privileged' people, under the cover of the planned elderly vaccination phase. According to the sources, some people received the vaccine without having to register or wait through the electronic platform, in exchange for 50 USD.
[ May 2021, Overall Syria ]  In light of the deteriorating economic situation, Syrian households continued to grapple with sustainable income generating activities. In May 2021, approximately two out of five interviewed households in Syria  ( 37 percent )  indicated that they had lost one or more sources of income over the past month, with a higher proportion recorded among male headed households  ( 39 percent )  compared to female headed households  ( 27 percent ) . This trend was more pronounced among IDPs  ( 41 percent )  and returnees  ( 41 percent )  compared to residents  ( 35 percent ) . In addition, close to a third of interviewed households countrywide  ( 29 percent )  reported having lost more than half of their monthly income in May 2021, with a peak recorded in Al Hasakeh  ( 45 percent ) .
[ 11 24 May 2021, Deir Ballut Internal Crossing, Aleppo ]   [ Retrieved from table ]  In last 2 weeks total number of traversers from Turkish Backed Armed Forces to Non State Armed Group are 1200 which were IDP/Returnees, travelers, work related, humanitarian partners and others. In last 2 weeks total number of traversers from Non State Armed Group to Turkish Backed Armed Forces are 1300 which were IDP/Returnees, travelers, work related, humanitarian partners and others.
[ May 2021, NES ]  46% of CFPs in Al Hasakeh identified that community members were "not worried about COVID 19 and do not feel it is important to report symptoms" as a third reason for why people would not be willing seek treatment or report their issue in case of of COVID 19 infection/experiencing symptoms.
[ May 2021, NES ]  1% of CFPs in Deir ez Zor expressed that the majority of members in their community would not seek treatment and report their issue in case of COVID 19 infection/ in case they are experiencing symptoms, identifying "not sure what to do" as a third reason.
[ May 2021, NES ]  Of the percentage that reported community members would use the specific resources  ( public health facility, hospital, public hotline ) , the majority of CFPs stated that community members were generally satisfied with regular health facilities and the public hotline; satisfaction rates are reportedly lowest for hospitals. Satisfaction level:  Public hotline  ( 86% )   Regular r health facility  ( e.g. primary health centre )   ( 79% )   Dedicated COVID 19 hospital  ( 72% )  and  Hospital  ( 47% )
[ 10 JUN 2021, Overall Syria ]  “Shutting down the only remaining UN lifeline into northwest Syria would cut off millions of people from aid and unleash a humanitarian calamity,' said Gerry Simpson, associate crisis and conflict director at Human Rights Watch. “The people of northwest Syria, and millions of others in the northeast, should receive help, including Covid 19 vaccines and other crucial healthcare supplies, through all possible routes.'
[ 10 JUN 2021, NES ]  Aid workers told Human Rights Watch that non UN agencies have nowhere near the UN's capacity to buy supplies and transport them into the northwest. They said that shutting down UN aid supplies through Bab al Hawa and ending UN funding, including for thousands of doctors' and nurses' salaries, would deny aid to millions of people.
[ 10 JUN 2021, NWS ]  Aid workers said that if UNICEF and the WHO are no longer able to bring Covid 19 vaccines in from Turkey, the vaccination process will stop entirely as they are the only agencies currently authorized under the application to COVAX to receive and distribute the vaccines.
[ May 2021, NES ]  Severity Level 2 | Hospitalisation: 18% of CFPs reported that there are members in their community who have been hospitalised at various facilities due to COVID 19 symptoms; the majority of whom self isolated until symptoms got worse and they had to be hospitalised. Those who sought care immediately primarily utilised hospitals.
[ 10 JUN 2021, NES ]  The UN Security Council deauthorization of the Yarubiyah border crossing in January 2020 resulted in an immediate end to the UN cross border operations from Iraq into northeast Syria. Since then, UN agencies based in Damascus are only authorized by the Syrian authorities to provide aid from government held parts of the country to some parts of the northeast. According to aid groups, al Yarubiyah's deauthorization meant that 19 out of 50 UN supported healthcare centers were forced to close between 2020 and March 2021. They said that between March and August, aid groups taking medical supplies into the region through commercial border crossings were unable to buy medication in, or import medication into, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq due to Covid 19 related transport restrictions there. This caused shortages of some essential medicines, including anesthetic and insulin.
[ MAY 2021, NES ]  The same aid agencies also said that since March 2020, problems in bringing in coronavirus testing kits have repeatedly caused the only coronavirus testing laboratory managed by the Autonomous Administration's Department of Health, in Qamishli, to run out of kits. In early May, Doctors Without Borders said that the laboratory had only a two week stock of coronavirus testing supplies.
[ 16 July 2021, NES ]  Turkey further utilises water resources against Northeast Syria  ( for example, Turkey recently stopped pumping water into the Euphrates River, a critical water source in the region ) . Water cuts by Turkey have been condemned as a breach of international humanitarian law, criminal law and human rights law. Crucially, and from a humanitarian point of view, such endeavours are likely to lead to disastrous consequences for those living in Northeast Syria.
[ APR 2021, Overall Syria ]  The selling price of nitrate fertilizer decreased significantly in Hasakeh, Aleppo and Deir ez Zor governorates  ( 16, 13and 11 percent m  o m decrease respectively ) . The remaining governorates also recorded a decrease in the average selling price with an 8 percent m o m decrease.
[ APR 2021, Overall Syria ]  In other governorate, most farmers continue to rely on the local market to address the shortage limited availability of granular nitrate fertilizer at the Agriculture Bank. The shortage observed in Homs, Hama, Tartous and Al Hasakeh governorates of nitrate fertilizer is affecting the crop properties in these governorates.
[ 10 JUN 2021, NES ]  available resources will only cover 40 percent of estimated health supply needs for north east Syria for 2021.
[ APR JUN 2021, NES ]  As of April 4, the authorities in the northeast had reported 10,509 Covid 19 cases, 450 of them fatal, with cases rising dramatically in March. According to statistics collected by non UN aid groups and healthcare workers across northeast Syria responding to the Covid 19 pandemic, at that time there were at least 15,000 positive cases. The same statistics show that 42 percent of coronavirus tests since July 2020 were positive. Aid workers said that this indicates a high likelihood of under testing in the region.
[ 10 JUN 2021, NES ]  Three aid workers said that the funding cuts also forced aid agencies in March and April to stop supporting 12 out of 20 facilities designated to treat Covid 19 in northeast Syria, as well as a vaccination center in Manbij and the city's main hospital's vaccination department. According to numerous aid agencies working in northeast Syria, two others were also forced to shut in March and May, leaving only six open. This includes a facility in western Deir al Zour under the control of the Autonomous Administration that an aid worker said is due to close on June 20 due to a lack of funds.
[ 20 June 2021, GoS ]  On June 20, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights sources reported that Syrian regime controlled areas experienced crises of public transportation due to its reduced number and shortage of fuel provided by the regime government, and the people still suffer sharp rise in the private transportation means wages.
[ June 2021, NES ]  Most commonly reported healthcare needs  ( by % of communities ) :  65%: Treatment for chronic diseases  53%: Medicines  45%: Paediatric consultations
[ 29 June 2021, GoS ]  It is worth noting that cost of using private car from an area to other costs nearly 6,000 Syrian Lira, which is equivalent to 2,000 US dollars which doesn't match income of employees. An average of an employee income ranges between 50,000 to 80,000 Syrian Lira  ( nearly 24,000 US dollars )  while other crises like electricity blackout for long hours, the house fuel problem, and hiking prices of the basic commodities prices continued.
[ 16 July 2021, NES ]  The water crisis represents a threat to displaced populations in Hassaka on several levels. As well as depriving thousands of people of drinkable, clean water for long periods of time throughout 2020, our field observations indicate that the lack of water has caused many water, sanitation and hygiene  ( WASH )  facilities to gradually go out of service or completely shut down. This has particularly affected families living in collective shelters where infrastructure was already fragile.
[ 16 July 2021, NES ]  Inside the camps, collective latrines have also turned into hubs for transmitting infectious diseases. In Al Hol camp, for example, MSF  ( Medecins Sans Frontieres )  reported an ongoing outbreak of diarrhoea, which was particularly acute among young children, which also led to serious cases of malnourishment.
[ 19 July 2021, GoS ]  As currency depreciation has accelerated, the Syrian Government has relied on a series of one time payouts to cover the spread between wages and rising market prices. Doing so has allowed it to defer making more frequent adjustments to wage scales, which would erode confidence in the currency.
[ APR 2021, Overall Syria ]  The average selling price of liquid nitrate fertilizer was 5 796 SYP per litre in April 2021  ( 11 percent m o m decrease ) .
[ MAR   APR 2021, Overall Syria ]  The average selling price in Hasakeh decreased significantly reaching 5 625 SYP per litre  ( 30 percent m o m decrease ) , while the selling prices in Hama and Tartous governorates recorded 3 920 and 3 983 SYP per litre respectively, representing a 22 percent m o m decrease. The price of the same top dressing fertilizer remained constant in Rural Damascus between March and April 2021.
[ 10 June 2021, GoS ]  In three governorates – Homs, As Sweida and Tartous – current positivity rates of covid 19 exceed 50 per cent.
[ 7 June 2021, NES ]  As of 7 June, while transmission remains significant in NES, the number of new daily cases in the region has reduced significantly from the peak in April, after significant lockdown measures were instated by the local authorities.
[ APR 2021, Overall Syria ]  Crop protection agro chemicals  ( i.e. pesticides ) , which include insecticides, fungicides and herbicides, remain available across all monitored governorates. However, the average prices of pesticides in April 2021 witnessed a slight decrease compared to previous months. Despite the slight m o m decrease, the prices still remain expensive and out of reach for most farmers. The price of pesticides continues to adversely impact vulnerable farmer's application rates, leading to a greater risk of pest and disease incidences and prevalence, which will ultimately affect production, productivity and the quality of produce of vegetables and fruits.
[ 10 June 2021, NES ]   [ Same as previous report ]  Local authorities continue to provide exemptions for humanitarian goods  ( daily except Fridays )  and personnel  ( three times per week )  at the Fishkabour/Semalka informal border crossing, and in other limited cases, including urgent medical cases to cross to Iraq. Commercial movements are being increasingly facilitated in both directions. All border crossing points remain closed, with humanitarian personnel and medical cases reportedly exempt.
[ 10 JUN 2021, NES ]  Another aid worker said that the WHO only sporadically supports one laboratory in one government run hospital in Qamishli with PCR tests, and that the hospital carries out about 15 coronavirus tests a day. He also said that neither the WHO nor UNICEF deliver coronavirus testing materials from Damascus to the main laboratory in Qamishli, managed by the Autonomous Administration's Department of Health, which carries out about 500 coronavirus tests a day with the help of non UN aid groups, and do not support Covid 19 related case management, surveillance or mobile testing there because the Syrian government has not given them permission.
[ APR 2021, Overall Syria ]  There was a slight m o m decrease in the average selling price of liquid fungicides in Deir ez Zur  ( 16 percent ) , Aleppo  ( 13 percent ) , Hasakeh  ( 12 percent )  and Hama  ( 10 percent ) . However, in Rural Damascus governorate the average selling prices remained constant at 57 000 SYP per litre.
[ April 2021, NES ]  Degradation of agricultural lands, crop damage and drought, caused significant challenges across NES. In nearly half of all communities assessed, residents reported soil and crop damage as barriers to accessing income. Further, KIs reported that in 82% of all communities  ( and 90% of communities hosting IDPs )  daily wage labour was as a common source of income. At the same time, findings show that an average day labourer would need to work approximately 70 days to earn the monthly cost of basic Survival Minimum Expenditure Basket  ( SMEB )  items.
[ May 2021, Overall Syria ]  The monthly decrease in inadequate food consumption levels in May is believed to be associated with the holy month of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr festivities, when households tend to eat more complete and better quality meals and vulnerable families have access to more assistance from charity organizations and zakat  ( a form of alms giving )  provided as food or livestock. Despite the slight improvement in households' food consumption during May 2021, overall food insecurity persisted across Syria, and the national average rate of inadequate food consumption witnessed a nearly two thirds increase  ( 61 percent )  compared to levels in May 2020, which also corresponded to Ramadan 2020.
[ 18 MAY, NES ]  The price hike saw the cost of diesel climb to 400 Syrian pounds  ( 30 US cents at the official exchange rate )  per liter from 150 and petrol to 410 pounds per liter from 210.
[ 18 MAY, NES ]  Cannisters of gas used in homes are now selling for 8,000 pounds, up from 2,500.
[ 18 MAY, NES ]  The price hikes come on top of an accelerating economic crisis that has weakened the value of the pound and plunged wide segments of Syria's population into poverty. “The Kurdish administration was forced to raise prices because the previous ones didn't cover the cost of production,' said Sadiq Al Khalaf, a Kurdish administration official.
[ MAR   APR 2021, Overall Syria ]  The price of flour decreased across most governorates with an average m o m decrease of 5 percent. Al Hasakeh governorate has witnessed an m o m decrease  ( 23 percent ) , Aleppo  ( 15 percent )  and Deir ez Zor  ( 4 percent ) . In Rural Damascus, Homs, Hama and Dará governorates the prices remained constant since March 2021 at 2 500, 1 790, 1 800 and 1 600 SYP per kg respectively. Al Hasakeh, Dará, Aleppo and Deir ez Zor governorates recorded decreases on the average price of sugar in April 2021, with a 25 percent, 17 percent, 10 percent and 9 percent m o m decrease being recorded in the mentioned locations respectively. The prices in Rural Damascus and Homs governorates remained constant between March 2021 to April 2021.
[ 10 JUN 2021, NES ]  In January 2020, the Security Council canceled the authorization for the UN to use the Yarubiyah border crossing between Iraq and northeast Syria. This has reduced aid groups' ability to support the struggling healthcare system there and to address the Covid 19 pandemic. Available statistics show that between about 11,000 and 16,000 people have been infected by the virus in the northeast, but aid groups and the UN say the real number is most likely much higher due to the limited availability of testing.
[ APR 2021, Overall Syria ]  For chicken, the prices in Al Hasakeh and Deir ez Zor decreased by 24 and 4 percent respectively m o m. An average selling price of 7 013 SYP per kg was recorded across the eight monitored locations with a slight 3 percent m o m increase. The highest selling price was observed in Aleppo reaching 10 033 SYP per kg  ( 13 percent m o m increase ) . Dará governorate also recorded a 14 percent increase m o m and the average selling price was 5 700 SYP per kg.
[ APR 2021, Overall Syria ]  Sunflower oil's average selling price witnessed a decrease to 7 452 SYP per litre  ( 17 percent m o m decrease )  as highlighted in figure 28. Aleppo and Deir ez Zor governorates witnessed a sharp m o m decrease as well  ( 24 and 44 percent respectively ) . In Al Hasakeh, the average selling price reached 5 500 SYP per litre  ( 24 percent m o m decrease ) , while in Rural Damascus the price remained constant since February 2021 with a selling price of 10 000 SYP per litre.
[ 18 MAY, NES ]  Kurds control some of Syria's largest gas and oil fields but authorities are not producing enough oil and gas to meet the demand. Heating fuel, petrol and cooking gas have been in short supply in recent months and motorists have grown used to waiting in long queues to fill up. Regional authorities have not explained the reason behind the shortage.
[ April 2021, NES ]  Due to lack of water, adjustments in hygiene practices were reported, including a reduction in bathing  ( 23% of assessed communities ) , reduced laundry washing  ( 24% of assessed communities )  and reduction in drinking water consumption  ( 8% of assessed communities ) . Of the 675 assessed communities connected to a water network, only 22% reported access to water each day of the week, while 19% reported no access to water from the network. Notably, over half of those communities reported access to water from the network for only 3 4 days or less per week.
[ 18 MAY, NES ]  Syria used to produce almost 400,000 barrels of oil per day before its civil war erupted. But 10 years of conflict have ravaged production, with oil sector's losses estimated at $91.5 billion.
[ April 2021, NES ]  % of communities where KIs reported the 89% insufficient income of households and 67% lack of employment opportunities that match people's skills as barriers to meeting basic needs
[ May 2021, NWS ]  An additional 23,541 cases including 670 deaths have been reported from northwest Syria  ( NW Syria )  as of the end of May.
[ April 2021, NES ]  % of communities where COVID 19 related barriers to access services were reported: 2% reported Repairs to the main electricity network were reportedly hindered due to COVID 19 measures.
[ April 2021, NES ]  % of communities where COVID 19 related barriers to access services were reported: 18% reported Education services were not always functioning in person because schools in the assessed location were closed by local authorities at least some days due to COVID 19.
[ September 7, GoS ]  The Health Ministry announced on Tuesday evening that 136 new coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, adding that 23 patients recovered and 5 passed away.
[ 22 June 2021, Overall Syria ]  Zaher Hajju director general of the General Authority for Forensic Medicine added that four suicides were attempted by people as young as 17 year olds, as well as 19 year olds. According to Hajju, the majority of suicide victims are aged between 20 and 30 years. Further, 45 suicides were executed through hanging, 13 through shooting, 8 through jumping from high altitudes, and 10 through poisoning.
[ 29 June 2021, GoS ]  In a statement, the Ministry added that the total number of the coronavirus cases recorded in Syria till now has reached up to 25, 442 of which 21,808 have recovered while 1,870 have passed away.
[ 11 24 May 2021, Deir Ballut Internal Crossing, Aleppo ]   [ Retrieved from table ]  Mitigation measures in place: There is temperature screening but no COVID 19 awareness campaign and no mandatory quarantine at destination. Medical services present: There is a Medical unit and Isolation space for suspected cases but no covid 19 testing and no Transfer center to quarantine space.
[ 19 July 2021, GoS ]  Updated Public Sector Wage Scale  ( As of 1 August 2021 ) :  PhD: Minimum Wage: 86,243 SYP  ( 26.45 USD )  and Maximum Wage: 120,360 SYP  ( 36.92USD )   Masters: Minimum Wage: 82,838 SYP  ( 25.41 USD )  and Maximum Wage: 120,360 SYP  ( 36.92USD )   Diploma: Minimum Wage: 80,573 SYP  ( 24.72 USD )  and Maximum Wage: 120,360 SYP  ( 36.92USD )   University: Minimum Wage: 79,875 SYP  ( 24.50 USD )  and Maximum Wage: 120,360 SYP  ( 36.92USD )   Technical College: Minimum Wage: 77,325 SYP  ( 23.72 USD )  and Maximum Wage: 106,170 SYP  ( 32.57USD )   High school: Minimum Wage: 76,410 SYP  ( 23.44 USD )  and Maximum Wage: 106,170 SYP  ( 32.57USD )   General High School: Minimum Wage: 75,645 SYP  ( 23.20 USD )  and Maximum Wage: 106,170 SYP  ( 32.57USD )   Category III: Minimum Wage: 73,343 SYP  ( 22.50 USD )  and Maximum Wage: 101,220 SYP  ( 31.05USD )   Category IV: Minimum Wage: 72,023 SYP  ( 22.09 USD )  and Maximum Wage: 101,220 SYP  ( 31.05USD )   Category V: Minimum Wage: 71,513 SYP  ( 21.94 USD )  and Maximum Wage: 93,795 SYP  ( 28.77USD )
[ 19 July 2021, GoS ]  In all cases, the salary scale adjustments can be seen as a shell game played by Damascus to mask the shrinking extent of its support to ordinary citizens. Syrian Minister of Finance Kinan Yaghi told state media that the salary increases will be paid for by the “public resources of the state.' Precisely what this means is unclear. That ordinary Syrians will ultimately bear the costs is not in serious doubt. While the Central Bank of Syria has previously sworn off inflationary steps such as printing money, this option cannot be ruled out. In the meantime, the state continues to reduce the subsidies that are a vital lifeline to struggling Syrians.
[ September 7, GoS ] The Ministry, in a statement, noted that the total number of infections which have been registered in Syria has reached up to 28,814 of which 22,620 have recovered, while 2,049 have passed away.
[ 11 24 May 2021, Um Jloud Internal Crossing, Aleppo ]   [ Retrieved from table ]  In last 2 weeks total number of traversers from Turkish Backed Armed Forces to Syrian Democratic Forces are 500 which were commercial trucks. In last 2 weeks total number of traversers from Syrian Democratic Forces to Turkish Backed Armed Forces are 300 which were commercial trucks.
[ 11 24 May 2021, Al Arida International Crossing, Tartous ]   [ Retrieved from table ]  Mitigation measures in place: There is temperature screening, COVID 19 awareness campaign and mandatory quarantine at destination. Medical services present: There is Medical unit but no covid 19 testing, no Isolation space for suspected cases and no Transfer center to quarantine space.
[ 11 24 May 2021, Al Arida International Crossing, Tartous ]   [ Retrieved from table ]  In last 2 weeks total number of traversers from Syria to Lebanon are 850 which were travelers and commercial trucks. In last 2 weeks total number of traversers from Lebanon to Syria are 900 which were travelers, work related and commercial trucks.
[ 11 24 May 2021, Al Dabousieh International Crossing, Homs ]   [ Retrieved from table ]  In last 2 weeks total number of traversers from Syria to Lebanon are 3500 which were IDP/Returnees, travelers, work related and commercial trucks. In last 2 weeks total number of traversers from Lebanon to Syria are 2700 which were IDP/Returnees, travelers, and commercial trucks.
[ June 2021, NES ]  Coping strategies reported in communities connected to affected water stations included reducing water consumption  ( 57% )  and relying on less preferred sources of water  ( 43% ) , which have the potential to contribute to disease and illness. If the usage of untreated water increases, methods for improving water quality are reportedly not in the routine of most households.
[ May 2021, NES ]  75% of all CFPs reported that they view that, in their view, the majority of members in their community are currently worried about contracting COVID 19  ( 81% HCW CFPs; 69% non HCW CFPs ) : The highest percentage of worried was in Al Hasakeh  ( 87% )  and the highest percentage for not worried was in Aleppo  ( 50% ) .
[ September 7, GoS ]  The Health Ministry announced on Monday that 135 new coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, adding that 22 patients recovered and 5 passed away.
[ April 2021, GoS & NES ]  At the governorate level, in April 2021, As Sweida  ( 58 percent )  recorded the highest proportion of surveyed households having lost one or more sources of income. Also, this trend was high in Ar Raqqa  ( 56 percent ) , where an increase of nine percentage points was recorded since March 2021. Nearly 17 percent of surveyed households in each of the governorates of As Sweida and Ar Raqqa lost almost all their income for April.
[ APR 2021, Overall Syria ]  The average selling price of bread went up in April 2021 to 158 SYP per pack  ( 7 percent m o m increase ) . The highest selling price of bread was recorded in Al Hasakeh governorate at 263 SYP per pack  ( 5 percent m o m increase ) . Deir ez Zor recorded an increase of 17 percent m o m as the selling price of bread reached 175 SYP per pack. Homs governorate has also recorded a 30 percent m o m increase.
[ June 2021, NES ]  Roughly 40% of households depend on agriculture or livestock activities to make a living. While the agricultural sector remains an important economic driver, the proportion of households relying on agriculture decreased in recent years because of factors like high production costs, displacement, and loss of land.
[ APR 2021, Overall Syria ]  The average selling price of tomato decreased across the monitored markets with the average selling price of 868 SYP per kg, except in Al Hasakeh governorate where a 28 percent m o m increase on tomato prices was recorded. The selling price of tomatoes decreased significantly in Rural Damascus reaching 700 SYP per kg  ( 42 percent m o m decrease ) . Tomato selling prices in Aleppo also decreased significantly from 1 050 SYP in March 2021 to 717 SYP in April 2021. Furthermore, Dará governorate recorded a 33 percent m o m decrease and one kilogram of tomatoes was selling at 868 SYP per kg.
[ June 2021, NES ]  Farmers in NES traditionally cultivate wheat and barley. Barley crops are almost exclusively rain fed and predominantly consumed by livestock. Wheat crops are both rainfed and irrigated with softer varieties of wheat relying on irrigation as they are less drought resistant. Rain fed barley and wheat crops cover some 700,000 hectares or an estimated 70% of agricultural land in NES. Rain fed crops are planted across the first four agricultural stability zones, which receive more rainfall. Irrigated areas make up over 300,000 hectares and are concentrated along the Euphrates river in the 4th and 5th agricultural stability zones, which comprise desert and pastoral grazing land.
[ APR 2021, Overall Syria ]  The farmers continue to access fuel through a subsidised price of 180 SYP per litre. There was a slight m o m decrease of 5 percent in the average diesel fuel price within the local markets, reaching 31 844 SYP per 20 litres. Three governorates out of eight witnessed a significant price decrease in diesel fuel price for a 20 litre gallon and these governorates are Tartous  ( 36 000 SYP ) , Hama  ( 36 833 SYP ) , Homs  ( 36 000 SYP ) . The lowest price of diesel fuel continued to be observed in April 2021 in Al  Hasakeh at 4 000 SYP for a 20 liter gallon  ( 26 percent m o m increase ) . Aleppo governorate selling price reached 60 000 SYP per 20 liters  ( 20 percent m o m increase ) .
[ APR 2021, Overall Syria ]  The observations in April 2021 indicate that almost seven food items, including tomato, sunflower, sugar, bread, olive oil, eggplant, flour and potato, recorded slight price decreases. The remaining food items witnessed a slight increase ranging from 11 to 3 percent m o m increase. The food prices reduction is due to the improvement and recovery of the Syrian currency against the USD in April 2021. It must be noted that the prices remain high and out of reach for most food insecure families compared to pre crisis and pre  COVID 19 levels.
[ September 7, GoS ]  The Ministry, in a statement, noted that the total number of infections which have been registered in Syria has reached up to 28,678 of which 22,597 have recovered, while 2,044 have passed away.
[ APR 2021, Overall Syria ]  The average selling price for sheep meat reached 21 750 SYP per kg  ( 7 percent m o m increase ) . The highest price was recorded in Rural Damascus and Dará at 25 000 SYP per kg, while the average selling price for beef reached 18 987 SYP per kg  ( 5 percent m o m increase ) . Aleppo governorate witnessed a slight 5 percent m o m increase and this price of 22 667 SYP per kg remained the highest across all the monitored governorates.
[ May 2021, NES ]  61% of all CFPs reported that they think the majority of members in their community would be willing to get the COVID 19 vaccination if it was made available to them  ( 65% HCW CFPs; 57% non HCW CFPs ) : The highest % of people who are willing to is in Ar Raqqa ( 74% )  and the highest % of people who are not willing to is in Aleppo ( 43% ) . Of the 37% who reported community members may not be willing to get vaccine  ( 2% reported "do not know" ) , CFPs identified the following top three reasons for why community members may not want to get vaccinated: Do not trust the vaccine  ( not sure of the side effects )  91%, Cost 37% and Do not feel it is necessary 31%.
[ May 2021, NES ]  74% of CFPs from Al Hasakeh reported that community members do not speak to the groups that are being discriminated against  ( vs. 66% in Al, 65% in AR, 64% in Dez ) ; 83% of female CFPs reported the same  ( vs. 54% males ) . 49% of CFPs from Al Hasakeh reported that community members would not allow the groups that groups to go to work  ( vs. 11% in Al, 31% in AR, 40% in Dez )
[ May 2021, NES ]  CFPs reported the following as the top three factors that prevent community members in their community who may have symptoms or think that they have COVID 19 from reporting the disease or seeking treatment: Do not think that the disease is dangerous  ( e.g. see it as similar to cold/flu )  63%, Lack of awareness of symptoms 50% and Financial barriers  ( the cost of access to resources like hospital care, etc. )  38%.
[ June 2021, NES ] Crop failures and poor livestock health are critically impacting farmers' and livestock breeders' access to livelihoods.
[ 25 MAY 2021, GoS ]  % of SDs with insufficient COVID 19 medical services:   Testing provision for COVID 19: 88% Lack this service,   Quarantine space for diagnosed COVID 19 cases: 80% Lack this service,   Isolation space in health centers for suspected COVID 19 cases: 77% Lack this service and   Provision of space in health facilities to monitor suspected COVID 19 cases: 77% Lack this service.
[ 11 24 May 2021, Al Masnaa International Crossing, Rural Damascus ]   [ Retrieved from table ]  In last 2 weeks total number of traversers from Syria to Lebanon are 11,255 which were IDP/Returnees, travelers, work related, humanitarian partners, commercial trucks and others. In last 2 weeks total number of traversers from Lebanon to Syria are 9,600 which were IDP/Returnees, travelers, work related, humanitarian partners, commercial trucks and others.
[ June 2021, NES ]  Daily and seasonal workers who typically maintain crops, tend to livestock, or participate in the harvest, faced limited livelihood opportunities this season. A lack of work opportunities was a reported barrier to livelihoods access in nearly 30% of communities in NES.
[ June 2021, NES ]  Shortages of agricultural inputs including seeds, fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides, and agricultural medicines in the local market have forced farmers to rely on low quality alternatives from unreliable sources.
[ 25 MAY 2021, GoS ]  53% of sub districts have sufficient knowledge of COVID 19 risk.
[ 25 MAY 2021, GoS ]  Availability of education services  ( % of sub districts ) : 0%: available 0%: partially available 0%: not available
[ 11 24 May 2021, Al Waleed International Crossing, Al Hasakeh ]   [ Retrieved from table ]  In last 2 weeks total number of traversers from Syria to Iraq are 200 which were commercial trucks and others. In last 2 weeks total number of traversers from Iraq to Syria are 300 which were commercial trucks and others.
[ 11 24 May 2021, Al Waleed International Crossing, Al Hasakeh ]   [ Retrieved from table ]  Mitigation measures in place: There is temperature screening and COVID 19 awareness campaign but no mandatory quarantine at destination. Medical services present: There is Medical unit and Transfer center to quarantine space but no Isolation space for suspected cases and no covid 19 testing.
[ 8 June 2021, GoS ]  SOHR  ( Syrian Observatory for Human Rights )  quoted its sources saying that this period witnessed the registration of more than 96,000 coronavirus cases in Damascus and its countryside, Homs, Hama, Tartous, Latakia, and Aleppo. According to the latest statistics of the SOHR, which are derived from what it described as reliable medical sources in government held areas, the number of people infected with coronavirus has reached about 1,272,000 confirmed cases.
[ 8 June 2021, GoS ]  More than 950,000 people have recovered from Covid 19, while 25,234 people have died, according to the SOHR  ( Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ) . The organization also recorded the death of 211 doctors in government areas affected by Coronavirus, out of which 172 died during 2020.
[ 8 June 2021, Overall Syria ]  By the end of 2021, the World Health Organization hopes to vaccinate 20% of the Syrian population.
[ 25 MAY 2021, GoS ]  5% communities have no psychosocial support and 51% have no access prior to COVID 19.
[ 25 MAY 2021, GoS ]  Rural Damascus, Ar Raqqa and Aleppo governorate and it's subdistricts had insufficient provision of space in health facilities to monitor suspected COVID 19 cases.