nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
Farmers suffer from the lack of agricultural inputs and/or high costs of these inputs,especially the lack of high quality seeds, including Syrian wheat varieties that used to provide high yields.
[ 30th November 2020, Overall Syria ]  Even while the current official numbers remain relatively low, it is clear in past months the epidemiological situation in Syria rapidly evolved and all factors – including that the vast majority of announced cases have not been linked to exposure/contact with a known case – point to widespread community transmission. This month of November represents the peak of official numbers reported in a single month  ( 2,069; followed by 2,008 cases reported in August ) .
[ October 2020, Overall Syria ]  In October 2020, the prevalence of inadequate food consumption was much higher among returnees  ( 63 percent )  and IDPs  ( 51 percent )  compared to residents  ( 44 percent ) . Nevertheless, the share of households with poor food consumption increased among resident households  ( up by 30 percent )  in October 2020 compared to a month earlier, reaching 20 percent in October. Marking the highest level among residents over the course of 2020
[ 27th November 2020, NE Syria ]  As is the case elsewhere, limited testing likely means significantly higher numbers exist. Currently, the laboratory in Al Hasakeh is only functional every other day due to limited testing kits; in past weeks an increase in positivity rate has been recorded as a likely result. Many local Committees of Health are also reporting shortages in swabs, limiting sample collection from all suspect cases
Proportions of people in need reached with services remain low, with 50 percent reached for treatment of moderate acute malnutrition, 66 percent with micronutrient supplementation, and67 percent for prevention of acute and chronic  malnutrition. On the job trainings and supportive  supervision for frontline staff remains a challenge  due to COVID 19 related restrictions. The increasing number of hotspot locations with high prevalence of acute malnutrition would necessitate a rapid scale up of the nutrition response.
[ October 2020, Overall Syria ]  According to mVAM October 2020 data, a decrease in the national average consumption level of protein rich foods was reported by most households. Around 60 percent of surveyed households mentioned that they only ate animal source protein or pulses fewer than two times a week, which is half the reported national consumption rate of the animal source protein in October 2019. Highlighting a likely increase in malnutrition levels across the country.
[ 7th December, 2020, Overall Syria ]  In a statement to SANA, the Ministry indicated that the total number of Coronavirus infections registered in the country till now has reached up to 8,490, of which 4,000 ones have recovered while 452 others have passed away.
[ 3 July 2021, NES ]  The daily search for water by Hasaka people reflects the worst forms of terrorism against more than a million citizens who suffer from thirst as a result of Turkish occupier and its terrorist mercenaries still cut water off the locals. Stories of suffering that people of Hasaka have lived since Turkish occupier invaded the territories of Ras al Ayn city and took control over Allouk water station and cut off the only water source for Hasaka city and dozens of villages and other residential communities in light of the silence of the international organizations and bodies towards a war crime as described by international conventions.
[ March 25, Syria, Lack of functioning facilities ]  with only a few in the two remaining provinces of al Raqqa and Deir al Zor
[ 12th November 2020 ]  On 12 November, Turkish authorities introduced new restrictions at Bab Al Salama border crossing  ( Turkey Aleppo ) , including limiting NGO staff movement to Tuesdays and Thursdays only, with two staff and one vehicle per NGO granted movement per day, and requirements to register with the crossing's authorities.
[ March 25, Syria, Lack of functioning facilities ]  Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics  ( CBS )  shows that private hospital capacity is almost 40% of that of public hospitals for ICU beds in all hospitals
In North West Syria, Save the Children's partners reported losing access to nearly 50% of students in some areas after the closure of schools in March.
Daily testing capacity has exceeded 1,400 tests in a day, with 45,924 tests performed to date in the NW.
Some 60% of teachers said the pandemic has had an impact on the continuity of education in classrooms
Fuel prices returned to similar levels as at the end of September 2020, following two price increases and two price decreases since the last situation report on 20 October, in line with fluctuations in the value of the Turkish Lira  ( TRY )  against the US Dollar. Despite decreasing since 10 November, prices remain notably higher than when they first began to be posted in TRY five months ago. Compared to 14 June and as of 14 November, per litre prices are higher by around 26 percent for “imported first type benzine', 23 percent for “imported first type diesel', 14 percent for locally refined diesel and 30 percent for a gas cylinder. The increase in fuel prices has negative knock on effects on the cost and supply of other goods and services. This includes transportation and electricity as well as staple items such as bread and vital functions such as medical services and emergency response operations. It exacerbates concerns about increased health and fire risks, particularly with the arrival of winter and increased demand for heating. Inaccessibility of safe heating sources leads to reliance on negative coping mechanisms such as burning unsafe materials, which in previous years has resulted in outbreaks of fires in IDP sites and other residential areas as well as poisoned people through the emission of toxic fumes. During the reporting period, electricity prices were also raised, while the price of bread in the Idleb area rose and fell alongside fuel prices, culminating at 6 percent more expensive than a month ago.
[ November 2020, NWS ]  Child labour and early marriage were reported to prevent children from going to school in 78% and 44% of communities
Despite the WASH Cluster's efforts to phase out costly and short term activities such as water trucking, 70 percent of IDPs in camps in northwest Syria continue to rely on WASH partners to provide trucked water on a daily basis. Only 255 water stations out of 448 in Idleb and Aleppo are currently functioning ( 57 percent ) , from which 209  ( 82percent )  are being chlorinated. Without electricity, partners continue to operate these water stations through diesel generators, with the cost of fuel accounting for an estimated 30 percent of the total WASH Cluster expenditure.
Referral  of positive  cases  to  CCTCs and  hospitals remains low when  compared  to  the  number  of  total  positive  cases  detected  ( around  10 percent ) , thus risking  widespread  in  communities. Inadequate triage and IPC measures are a challenge;35 percent of assessed health facilities reportedly have inadequate measures in place.
[ October, Overall Syria ]  Most of the cases were located in A'zaz, Dana and Jarablus. The Cluster's monitoring of sites showed that personal protective equipment was not available in the vast majority of IDP sites, while only half of the sites, were overcrowding remains a major concern, were partially applying COVID 19 physical distancing measures.
[ October, overall Syria ]  The national average price of plastic gloves decreased by two percent to reach SYP 328/pair; the price of surgeon masks decreased by seven percent to reach SYP 344/ mask; and the price of soap decreased by four percent to reach SYP 357/bar. Moreover, the price of alcohol spray decreased by three percent m o m to reach SYP 1,564/200 m
“COVID 19 has further exacerbated existing challenges that prevented children from learning
The current gap analysis for September, across 27 sub districts, shows that over 1.3 million people need some form of WASH support. This includes 53 percent requiring water provision through networks and water stations; 12.6 percent who require water trucking services; 35 percent who need solid waste disposal; 14 percent who require sanitation services; and 5 percent who need hygiene kits. Most of these gaps are in Dana sub district  ( 31 percent )  followed by Idleb at 21 percent, Maaret Tamsrin at 12 percent and Atareb at 9 percent. The gap analysis is reported by partners, but not all partners report gaps, so the Cluster expects actual gaps to be higher than reported.Recent assessments have shown that in camps, 78 percent of displaced people did not have access to sufficient water during the past month, compared with just 6 percent in communities and neighbourhoods, reflecting the greater reliability of water services through networks compared to water trucking. In terms of handwashing, which is a key COVID 19 mitigation measure, 22 percent of camps have no soap, 18 percent have no hand washing facility and 2.5 percent having no soap and water. In September, WASH Cluster field facilitators complemented recent assessments by examining the quality and accountability of WASH responses across 83 IDP sitesin Badama, Darkosh, and Maaret Tamsrinsub districts. They noted that 34 percent of assessed sites reported no chlorination of water; on average 63 people share one latrine;latrines are not disaggregated by sex in 10 percent of sites; 80 percent of assessed sites did not receive hygiene kits in the past 3 months.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Psychosocial distress among children is reported in 23 per cent of surveyed households demonstrating the cumulative toll on mental well being with immediate and if not addressed, lifelong consequences.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Gender based Violence: 31.1 million in Syria are in need of  ( gender based violence )  protection assistance of which 51.5% ( 6.76M )  are female and 48.5% ( 6.37M )  are male; 45.3% ( 5.95M )  are children below 17, 50.4%  ( 6.62M )  are between age of 18 to 59 and 4.2%  ( 0.55M )  are above 59; 24.7% ( 3.24M )  are people with disability. Among this 1% are in minimal need, 4% in stress need, 35% are severely in need, 39% are in extreme need and 21% with catastrophic need.
[ November 2020, NWS ]  KIs in 94% of communities where challenges for renting shelters were reported, cited that rent prices were unaffordable for the majority of people
Child labour is a particular grave concern in North East Syria, where 79% of the teachers said students dropped out because they had to support their families financially.
Loss of physical learning spaces due to COVID 19 restrictions has meant the only option for children to learn is remotely, which many children do not have the means to do.
[ November 28, As Suwayda ]  He stressed that, starting from tomorrow, all students and teachers are obliged to wear masks, while making intensive rounds from all concerned, unions and popular and concerned organizations, and allocating 5 to 10 minutes of awareness in schools, adding: The period is difficult and needs a serious stand by everyone.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  As per the UN Inter Agency 2020 Covid 19 Socio Economic Impact Assessment, before the pandemic, 41.9 per cent of households could cover their expenses, while currently, only 9.7 per cent can do so. This is exacerbated by a severe lack of opportunities to attain employable skills and working capital. About two thirds of households lost one or more income sources, and about half lost between 75 per cent to 100 per cent of their previous income.
[ 20th Jan 2021, SDF ]  % of SDs with majority of population in need of; Soap or Water 50%, 70% masks and 74% disinfectant.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Due to COVID 19, there has been a decrease of 19.8 per cent in average employees in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  ( MSME )  sector. In particular, there was a decrease in employment of 18.2 per cent for males and 19.7 per cent for females. Most enterprises lost significant revenue ranging from 40 per cent to 100 per cent, and about 13 per cent had to close their operations.
An estimated 2.45 million children, or one in three, were already out of school, by the end of 2019 in the whole of Syria
COVID 19 is increasingly bringing education to a halt for many of Syria's children after nearly ten years of conflict, displacement and poverty, Save the Children has found, as an estimated half of the children that were going to school in North Syria before the COVID 19 outbreak have now dropped out.
Teachers who responded to the survey overwhelmingly said that poverty is the biggest reason for children dropping out of school, pointing to the cost of education and reliance on child labour as a source of income
The education sector desperately needs resources to continue safely, and donors should also fund programmes that help lift families out of poverty, so parents and caregivers can keep their children engaged in learning and don't feel the need to resort to child labour and other negative coping mechanisms.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  Education: 6.9 million people are in need of education; of which 51%  ( 3.8M )  are female and 49% are male; 97%  ( 6.8M )  are children from 3 to 17 years old and 3%  ( 0.2M )  are adults from 18 to 59 years; of total people in need 15%  ( 1.1M )  people are with disability. Among them 55% ang 16 % are in extreme and catastrophic need.
Similarly, participants agreed that women and girls would need to be accompanied by husbands and other caregivers to mitigate stigmatization, shame, and spread of rumours.
[ December 12, NES ]  Hygiene items Hygiene items prices are down 1% from last week. 40% of sellers reported the main challenge of the dollar exchange rate against the Syrian pound, while 19% mentioned transportation costs.
The identification of COVID 19 cases in northwest Syria is accelerating, with 13,179 confirmed cases as of 18 November  ( 95 deaths )  –7,530 cases in the Idleb area and 5,649 in northern Aleppo governorate. Some 80 percent of all confirmed cases were recorded in the past one month. Since the last situation report on 20 October, the percentage of current cases among healthcare workers increased to some15percent, including nurses, doctors, technician, midwives and non medical staff. A significant increase of positive cases has also been noted among students and teachers, weeks after the reopening of schools in September. With nearly 60 percent of all cases in Idleb governorate and over a third of all cases at the time in Idleb sub district and some 8 percent of cases in camps and rising, the need for further isolation facilities is particularly acute.
[ 4th Jan, 2021 ]  Reports from Washshukanni camp in Hassakeh have meanwhile indicated a rapid spread of the virus among the more than 10,000 displaced people living there, spread between 1,650 tents, according to Al Sharq Al Awsat newspaper, quoting camp manager Stera Rashi on January 04.
[ 6th Jan, 2021 ]  In government areas, positive cases reached 11,799, up from 11,243 a week earlier. They included 5,450 active cases, 5,615 recoveries, and 734 fatalities.
Female to female interaction is also deemed important to overcome gender barriers and discuss gender specific issues related to isolation centers.
COVID 19 containment measures are further eroding access to services, including routine immunization, education, protection, case management and mental health and psychosocial support.
[ November 20,overall syria ]   Only 50 percent of hospitals across Syria are fully functioning, while 25 percent are only partially functioning, due to shortage of equipment, medicine, and staff, as well as damage to facilities, according to the UN World Health Organization  ( WHO ) .
[ 03/02/2021, Overall Syria ]  "We are preparing our vaccine deployment plan with the ministry of health to make sure the programme goes well," Dr Akjemal Magtymova, WHO representative in Damascus said, adding the priority was first to vaccinate high risk health workers, social workers and the most vulnerable.
[ November 20,overall syria ]  As Syria's COVID 19 outbreak surpasses 27,000 confirmed cases, humanitarian agencies warn of an increasingly stressed health care system
[ November 20,overall syria ]  However, actual caseloads likely exceed official estimates due to limited testing capacity countrywide, according to the UN.
[ 25 June 2021, Damascus, GoS ]  Power cuts in the capital Damascus doubled for the third day in a row. The power cuts are a governmental measure, which coincided with rising temperatures. This decision occurred amid the inability of the population to use generators as an alternative power source.
[ November 20,overall syria ]   The rise of COVID 19 prevalence countrywide has strained Syria's already fragile health system.
[ 6th Jan, 2021, Syria ]  Positive cases of Covid 19 in Syria continued to rise in the first week of the new year, with the total number confirmed across the country reaching 40,369, up from 39,329 last week, and 37,633 two weeks ago. An opposition NGO meanwhile listed the names of more than 170 doctors it said had died from the disease this year
[ November 20,overall syria ]   Health facilities in some areas lack the capacity to absorb additional cases and have reportedly begun turning away patients due to lack of beds, oxygen tanks, and ventilators, humanitarian actors report.
Following a decade of conflict and humanitarian crisis, localized hostilities in the Syrian Arab Republic continue to intensify. The situation is further aggravated by the economic downturn, the COVID 19 pandemic and its socio economic impacts, and the rising cost of basic food items.The scale, severity and complexity of humanitarian needs remain extensive
[ November 20,overall syria ]  In November, local authorities in northeast Syria responded to the rise in COVID 19 cases by extending mitigation measures including a partial curfew, the closure of non food market vendors, bans on large gatherings, limits on religious services, and basic preventative measures for administrative buildings and educational facilities
[ November 20,overall syria ]  In the northwest, health actors are prioritizing surge planning in hospitals, infection prevention and control measures, and psychosocial support for staff
[ November 20,overall syria ]  Between September and early November, daily testing capacity in northwest Syria nearly quadrupled averaging more than 800 COVID 19 tests per day due to the establishment of new testing laboratories, the UN reports
[ 6th Jan, 2021, Syria ]  The low number of tests run in Syria, as well as a lack of data transparency, means that the actual number of cases is certain to be much higher.
[ November 20,overall syria ]  Deteriorating economic conditions remain a primary challenge for vulnerable communities in northwest Syria, according to a September REACH survey of nearly 900 communities in Aleppo, Idlib, and Hamah governorates.
Men hide symptoms to avoid income loss, avoid quarantine and/or isolation due to long treatment, and community reactions  ( stigma ) .
[ November 20,overall syria ]  The assessment found that the depreciation of the Syrian Pound against the U.S. Dollar, the instability of the Turkish Lira, and declining purchasing power continue to negatively impact food security conditions and livelihoods in the region, with more than 90 percent of surveyed communities citing low wages as a barrier to fulfilling basic needs and approximately 80 percent of respondents citing high food prices as the top barrier to accessing sufficient food.
[ November 20,overall syria ]   The assessment also found that high prices hinder vulnerable populations' access to electricity; safe shelter; water, sanitation, and hygiene  ( WASH )  services; and other basic commodities
[ November 20,overall syria ]  Moreover, lack of sufficient income has contributed to an increased use of child labor, as well as forced or early marriage.
findings highlight that in the context of COVID 19 in NWS healthcare staff face bullying, women experience increased stress due to pressure to keep their family safe and living environments clean, and that an additional reason for people to hide COVID 19 symptoms is a fear for loss of livelihoods
[ 22nd Dec 2021 ]  On December 22, the SIG's Minister of Health Maram Al Sheikh said the SIG was working to secure the vaccine approved by the World Health Organisation, without saying how or when this might happen.
[  March 6, NWS ]  This and the exodus of more than 70% of the healthcare workforce have debilitated the health system
A lack of a basic understanding of the structure, available services, and type of medical care provided in the quarantine centers  ( i.e. what to expect in quarantine )  was evident amongst participants  ( despite a brief introduction to the rationale for and concept of quarantine centers at the outset of the FGDs ) .
[ July 3, NWS, NES, Lack of personnel ]  There are insufficient numbers of healthcare workers remaining and fewer still of the right specialties e.g. pulmonology, intensive care, infectious diseases, infection prevention and control
Religious leaders/figures, healthcare staff, humanitarian frontline staff working with the community for longer periods, local authorities and councils  ( especially in FGDs in northern Aleppo )  were pointed out as trustworthy information sources by participants.
[ August  October 2020, Northwest Syria ]  Survey respondents' views on the following methods of contracting COVID 19: 87 % said Airborne  ( other people coughing, etc. ) , 84% said Physical contact with infected people but 3% also believed that Breastmilk transmitted COVID 19.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  In 2020, an estimated 2.45 million children were out of school and 1.6 million children were at risk of dropping out. Due to the cumulative effect of the conflict, the closure of learning facilities, and/or reduced learning hours due to COVID 19, worsening economic conditions, increased population numbers and displacement, the numbers of children out of school, and children who are at risk of dropping out, is almost certain to increase.
[ 3rd Jan, 2021 ]  On January 03, the Syrian Human Rights  ( SOHR )  said that it had counted 172 doctors who had died from the virus in government areas last year, as well as seven doctors in areas under the control of the opposition Syrian Interim Government  ( SIG )  and Syrian Salvation Government  ( SSG ) . It said it had counted two doctors who had died in areas held by the Kurdish dominated Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria  ( AANES ) .
[ 6th Jan, 2021 ]  Public transport, as well as Friday and Sunday prayers, are reportedly allowed. Movement between AANES regions is permitted and public agencies will stay open, with masks required.
[ December 30, Syria, Lack of personnel ]  The numbers of nurses and midwives per doctor in public health centers are almost above the MoH standards of 2 per facility, except in Hama, Aleppo and Damascus. However, the numbers of nurses and midwives per doctor in public hospitals centers are below the standards in Hama, Rural Damascus, Lattakia, Damascus, Quneitra and Aleppo
[ 6th Jan, 2021 ]  In Idlib and parts of Aleppo under the control of the Turkish backed SIG and the SSG, which is backed by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, the number of positive cases reached 20,457 this week, up from 20,131 a week earlier. They included 6,828 active cases, 13,281 recoveries, and 348 fatalities.
Women reported to tend to hide symptoms of common colds or  ( most likely )  regular flu due to fear of being exposed in the community. They also conceal these symptoms to their family members. A female participant stated that women would conceal illness due to fear of being blamed by their husbands.
[ November 20,overall syria ]  Overall, respondents cited access to livelihood opportunities, food, and household items as critical needs.
Similarly, a negative perception of persons seen as at elevated risk of infection such as older persons and persons with disabilities exists. Participants indicated hesitation, especially amongst men, to assist / engage with people potentially infected as well as with individuals seen as at elevated risk. This is linked by some participants to a gradual reduction in willingness to support others in relation to COVID 19.
A negative perception of health workers and health facilities is increasing, highlighting the complex and difficult operating environment in relation to the health response. Both health workers and facilities were referred to as “spreaders' of the virus. Concerningly, some participants expressed a lack of trust in capacities of healthcare workers. Nevertheless, health staff still perceived as one of the most reliable sources of information on prevention and response to COVID 19.
Women hide symptoms to avoid social stigma and exclusion from the community as well as to prevent stress and/or tension within the household.
A key issue raised by male participants on multiple occasions during discussions in multiple FGDs was related to concerns over possible loss of income if men were to enter quarantine for extended periods.
[ November 28, GoS ]  Al Awa denied one of the rumors about a proposal he made to close schools and universities for a period of two weeks, saying: “I said that the government carried out the first attack, closing some public facilities, and this somewhat helped citizens resort to adhering to the precautionary measures.' I think that it would be useful for the government to close some public facilities during the current "offensive", such as schools, clubs and wedding halls.
Community support systems are weakening with specific impact on older people and households least able to cope in their situation of prolonged internal displacement such as female headed households, households without access to humanitarian assistance, and households without livelihoods and income.
[ December 30, Syria, Lack of functioning facilities ]  By the end of December 2019, and out of the 113 assessed public hospitals  [ MoH & MoHE ] , 50%  ( 57 )  were reported fully functioning, 25%  ( 28 )  hospitals were reported partially functioning  ( i.e., shortage of staff, equipment, medicines or damage of the building in some cases ) , while 25%  ( 28 )  were reported non functioning.
[ December 3, Lattakia ]  The Director of Education in Lattakia, Omran Abu Khalil, revealed to Al Watan that 64 infections were recorded in Lattakia schools, and that about 15 classrooms were closed at the governorate's level of 1212 schools, from the beginning of the school year to date.
[ December 3, Lattakia ]   He explained that the infections were distributed between 25 male and female students and 39 injuries from the teaching staff, with one death recorded since the opening of schools for this year until the date of this December 2, pointing out that the decision to close schools is in the hands of the government team concerned with dealing with Corona virus exclusively.
Participants in one FGD in Idleb expressed a belief that the centers would in fact contribute to spreading the virus rather preventing given the act of “closing up' people in one place. Others in the same session argued that centers would be effective to combat spreading the virus in case sick/suspected individuals are temporarily separated from the community to limit their interactions. People on both sides of the argument agreed to possess insufficient knowledge on the quarantine process and ways of working in such centers and that this is required.
A lack of understanding about the functioning of the centers, procedures, and reasons for persons to require to enter quarantine  ( i.e. when should one go into quarantine )  was evident in all FGDs. Such lack of understanding leads to misperceptions and potential rumors which results in fear of centers and a reluctance to enter centers, especially when combined with existing gender norms and cultural practices.
Increase engagement with the community through trusted channels to disseminate accurate information and have conversations on: o the aim of quarantine o who needs to quarantine, how identified and referred o quarantine procedures and potential treatment o conditions in the centers, approach to family unity o available services in the centers and support to those in quarantine o quarantine  ( and healthcare )  to be free of charge
[ March, 2021, Overall Syria ]  War torn Syria has seen a sharp rise in COVID 19 infections since mid February but lockdown options remain limited due to the country's dire economic situation, a member of the country's coronavirus advisory committee said last week.
Three immediate actions that would contribute to increasing voluntary entry into quarantine centers across NWS are: 1 )  maintenance of family unity in quarantine  ( or at least accompaniment of those who require so )  2 )  financial support to compensate for loss of income 3 )  sustained and clear messaging on quarantine centers' rationale and functioning as well as on supportive approaches to COVID 19.
[ May 7, NWS ]  In the NWS, it is estimated that around 40% of the adult population have comorbidities and around 76,000 people are over 60 years old; these factors could increase their risk of COVID 19 and the risk of poor outcomes
Involve and mobilize trusted community figures or institutions in these engagements and in information dissemination – this would persuade people regarding admission to the centers, also with the help of the family members. Religious leaders, health staff, humanitarian frontline staff working with the community for long periods, and de facto local authorities and councils were pointed out as trustworthy entities by participants
[ May 7, NWS ]  These may affect the proportion who develop severe or critical disease and could potentially contribute to a more rapid spread of COVID 19 than seen elsewhere with a higher doubling rate, higher clinical attack rate and a high proportion of patients requiring hospitalization or ventilation than in other settings.
[ 23rd December, Areesha ]  To date, 13 confirmed cases have been reported among residents at Al Hol, in addition to four cases at Areesha camp, and six at Mahmoudli
[ November 2020, NWS ]  Children below the age of 12 were reported as a group affected by child labour in 21% of communities
[ 20 January, North Syria ]  The death toll due to the coronavirus has increased in northern Syria, after new cases were recorded Monday.
Women participants reported to be under pressure due to community expectations to protect their family members, including children and older people, from COVID 19; an infection would be directly ascribed to a lack of cleanliness of the house and surroundings for which women are deemed to be responsible. This pressure leads to increased stress and potential further impacts in case family members contract the virus. Household dynamics are reported to be influenced negatively by these dynamics and perceptions as well as due to the effects of COVID 19 transmission prevention measures and the impacts of lack/loss of livelihoods due to the economic downturn in NWS
To strengthen this, regular and continuous – in contrast with occasional and ad hoc – community engagement is required, taking into account feedback of different community segments on the perceptions and efficiency of the centers; this would be most effectively conducted by humanitarian partners operating centers or having been operating for an extended period in proximity to future locations of quarantine centers. Expressed reasonable recommendations and concerns need to be acted upon to build trust. Some participants also expressed willingness to continue to be engaged in discussions on quarantine centers and their functioning as well as the community's perceptions of quarantine – this should be built upon
[ 20 January, North Syria ]  People in regime controlled areas have been suffering from the deliberate neglect of the hospitals and medical authorities concerned with limiting the spread of the virus.
Overall – after explanation of purposes and objectives – FGD participants demonstrated a positive attitude towards the establishment of / concept of quarantine centers that would contribute to the control of the spread of the virus; however, hesitation was expressed related to risk of income loss, shame and stigma especially in the case of women and girls after being discharged, and family separation, specifically children left behind alone with no care arrangements if parents are quarantined.
Both male and female participants reported a fear of disgrace if women are infected by the virus given that it may imply the women or girl in question has been in unsafe environments. According to participants, this would result in the women and her family being ashamed, socially excluded and/or bullied, and could even lead to the women being rejected by the spouse in extreme cases.
During female FGDs, language of pity, compassion, and prayers to support infected individuals was accompanied with strong expressions of fear and anxiety for themselves and family members. Women participants underlined the necessity of family support to infected individuals. In female FGDs, it was also indicated that preventive measures such as isolation or self quarantine would be most helpful to control the spread of the disease, reflecting awareness of urgency of such measures
Moreover, perceptions from communities related to women having been away from the home for a prolonged period, especially when unaccompanied by her spouse or parents, was clearly expressed as being of concern by FGD participants. Stigma affecting women in such situations would go beyond COVID 19 and has cultural roots.
[ October 2020, Overall Syria ]  At the same time, the price of a subsidized bread bundle has also increased from SYP 50/bundle to SYP 75/bundle for loose bread sold without a bag and SYP 100/bundle for subsidized bread sold with a nylon bag. This increase in the subsidized price of bread coincided with a decision to reduce the subsidized bread bundle weight from 1.3kg to 1.1kg, highlighting limited national wheat reserves and a worsening economic and food security situation in Syria as consumers' purchasing power continues to be further eroded.
Persons with disabilities expressed that the quarantine/isolation center idea is not harmful, but – on the contrary – beneficial as it reduces the risk of infection within the community. However, it was still underlined that quarantine centers might not be efficiently equipped to host persons with disabilities, especially if the person fully depends on family support for daily activities. Some persons with disabilities shared similar misperceptions of the centers and their purpose, also expressing that quarantine in centers would be unnecessary confinement causing shame and mental harm
[  31 dec 2020, Syria ]  The COVID 19 pandemic has placed further pressure on Syrian doctors – as of 31 December 2020 it is estimated that 151 have died from the virus due to the Syrian government's inability to adequately support healthcare workers.
• Participants  ( as well as protection partners )  recommend to make efforts to shift the tone of messaging on COVID 19 towards a more positive message related to ways of supporting community and family members in difficult times rather than continuously emphasizing dangers of the virus  ( contributed to by media messaging ) .
[ October 2020, Overall Syria ]  The Syrian pound continued to slide in the informal exchange rate market and reached SYP 2,339/USD in October 2020, depreciating by six percent month on month. Moreover, the crippling fuel crisis persisted in Syria throughout much of October. The Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection announced an increase in the price of subsidized industrial and commercial diesel fuel from SYP 296 to SYP 650 per liter, and the price of 95 octane has more than doubled from SYP 450 to SYP 1,050 per liter during October 2020.
[ October 2020, NW Syria ]  The most affected areas were reported in Idleb and Al Bab sub districts, together accounting for some half of all confirmed cases in opposition held areas in northwest Syria. To note the WHO's representative for Syria announced that many COVID 19 cases were still going unreported across the country and that actual figures were significantly higher, suggesting a grave concern especially as colder winter months approach.
There have also been documented reports of sexual harassment and abuse against women in quarantine facilities.
[ August  October 2020, Northwest Syria ]  Myths related to preventative measures as heard by respondents: 55% said Drinking some boiled herbs/eating certain foods,26% said Exposing oneself to high temperatures  ( >25°C )  and 45% mentioned Eating/drinking specific foods to boost immunity.
[ October 2020, Overall Syria ]  The pandemic outbreak continued to exacerbate the fragility of the Syrian economy, as well as spurring further deterioration of the general food security situation across the country
[  February 24, NES ]  Similar estimates for NES are not available. Based on international estimates, around 15% of the COVID 19 affected population will develop moderate severe disease  ( requiring ward based hospital care with oxygen and medical support )  and 5% will develop critical disease requiring intensive care admission  ( which includes ventilation, cardiac and renal support; )  however different populations may have different proportions of moderate severe or critical cases.
[ Syria ]  Up to 41% of the adult Syrian population has a non communicable disease e.g. hypertension, diabetes, cancer
In this light, there was common agreement that children should not enter quarantine without accompanying parents/caregivers – it was made clear that the community will not accept this. Interruption of education in case children are placed in quarantine was also raised as a concern.
Participants living in IDP sites were inclined to support the idea of quarantine centers inside camps given the challenges for self isolation in tents. Participants living in in non camp locations in contrast agreed that home isolation is a better setting, especially when considering associated stigma
Women are conisdered as main duty bearers for taking care of all family members as well as work around the house such as cooking, cleaning, childcare, etc. Their absence for a prolonged period if quarantined would form basis for serious domestic issues according to FGD participants.
[ October 2020 ]  Syrian households continued taking social distancing measures, reaching the highest level across the country in June 2020  ( 95 percent ) . However this trend started to slightly decrease at the national level from September 2020 onwards. In October, around 84 percent of interviewed households reported permanently staying at home as a preventive measure against COVID 19, with peaks in Quneitra  ( 96 percent )  and Homs  ( 94 percent ) .
[ October 2020 ]  The COVID 19 outbreak has triggered challenges for most Syrian households to access markets. In October, approximately 26 percent of respondents reported not to have access to markets with peaks recorded in Quneitra  ( 30 percent )  and Lattakia  ( 27 percent ) , due in large part to COVID 19 travel related restrictions  ( nine percent )  across the country and markets reportedly far away from the household  ( eight percent ) .
[ October 2020, Overall Syria ]  Highlighting a food access concern given that around nine out of ten of the interviewed households in Syria mentioned relying on markets as a primary source of food. Besides, 26 percent of IDPs  ( increased by 18 percent from September 2020 ) , in addition to 33 percent of returnees' households reported difficulties in accessing markets in October, compared to 24 percent of resident households. This trend was highest among returnee and IDPs largely believed to be related to reporting markets far away from both groups in October, reaching 21 percent and 11 percent, respectively, compared to two percent of residents.
Russia Today quoted the General Director of Mouwasat University Hospital in Damascus, Issam al Amin, as saying that the number of cases who tested positive for the coronavirus in the hospital increased threefold this month, confirming that the cases that are being admitted are of the severe and critical type.
Amin indicated that since the beginning of the month, from 170 suspected cases, more than 50 cases of coronavirus have been recorded, compared to only 15 cases last month, adding that a number of patients have been discharged after recovering. Those who are still in the hospital are high risk cases, old people with pre existing conditions+
[ 23rd December, Overall Syria ]  Food prices, in addition to other factors such as periodic shortages of staples, has led to a significant deterioration in food insecurity indicators
According to the World Health Organization, only about half of hospitals in Syria are operating at full capacity, and a quarter of them suffer from a shortage of medical staff or medicine.
[ October 2020, Overall Syria ]  Additionally, according to mVAM data, a four fold increase among returnees reported deterioration in accessing hospitals from September 2020, reaching 35 percent in October compared to 20 percent of IDPs and 18 percent of residents. Furthermore, approximately 45 percent of surveyed households reported not being able to purchase the necessary medicines in October, largely due to lack of financial resources  ( 66 percent )  and shortage of medicines in pharmacies  ( 13 percent ) . Hereby highlighting a health concern given that 15 percent of respondents have elderly members with chronic diseases.
[ November 2020, Overall Syria ]  More than a third of Syrian interviewed households  ( 36 percent )  reported not being able to purchase the necessary medicines in November, primarily due to lack of financial resources  ( 71 percent )  and shortage of medicines in pharmacies  ( 21 percent ) .
[ 20 April 2021, GoS ]  Health Ministry that 137 new coronavirus cases were recorded in the country, and 117 patients have recovered, while 10 have passed away.
[ Jan Dec 2020, Overall Syria ]  Attacks on health care in Syria: 28 Total Attacks
Male and female participants agreed that it is better to be isolated in the house, apartment, or accommodation rather than a quarantine center where it is expected that admitted people would be separated from their families. Self isolation would also reduce issues around confidentiality and fears of exposure to community stigma/blame.
[  8   14 January 2021 ]  There are several reasons behind the price rises. The collapse of the Syrian pound versus the US dollar has impacted prices because the SelfAdministration requires oil investors and traders to pay for purchases of crude oil in US dollars.
[ November 2020, Al Hasakeh NES ]  Reported proportion of residents engaging in social distancing ; Everyone 2% , Most 28% , About half 11% , A few 38% and Nobody 21%
[ 23rd December, Overall Syria ]  Reports indicate even households with regular income have been adversely affected as the cost of living has spiraled; for example, WFP's national average food basket exceeds the highest paid official government monthly salary of SYP 80,240.
Some participants also suggested continuation of good practices such as mass media awareness raising campaigns on COVID 19 prevention and precautionary measures as well as treatment procedures – including on the function of quarantine centers – through trustworthy media outlets and humanitarian frontline workers. Rumors spread through ill considered media campaigns and word of mouth about I am not aware about any positive cases, people hide. I think that there are some infected cases who did not perform swabs as a result of being far from the examination centers, or their lack of knowledge of the existence of centers, or their fear that center services are not free of charge, or their lack of confidence in the examination centers. Female participant Some of these notes are taken seriously but most are ignored, and this project  ( quarantine centers )  is implemented despite objection by majority of the community due to policies of some organizations. Male participant 8 unpreparedness of quarantine centers and lack of services should be prevented through ways suggested above to increase community awareness and acceptance. • Participants suggested to further increase the distribution of face masks and sterilizers in conjunction with community engagement
A female participant indicated that she believed that due to fear of shame families would rather ‘let their daughters be sick and at risk of dying than to go to an isolation treatment center'. Nevertheless, other female participants still saw the idea of quarantine/isolation centers for cases suspected to be infected with the virus as a useful and helpful approach in limiting the its spread; however, this was caveated with remarks that certain conditions and requirements would need to be met. Requirements mentioned were: assistance and support, proximity to the IDP site/residential location, and possibility for family contact or unity, especially in cases involving children, women, and persons with disabilities.
In November, WFP reported close to half of surveyed households  ( 46 per cent )  reported poor and borderline food consumption, almost double the level in November 2019.
[ April 2021, NWS ]  Of a total population of 4 million people in north west Syria, it is estimated that there are around 2.7 million IDPs, who are considered to be in need of humanitarian assistance. New and protracted IDPs share the same urgent needs, in an area that has limited shelter options and where the fighting has caused the destruction of civilian infrastructure, including health facilities, schools, bakeries, and has disrupted the provision of basic services.
[  8   14 January 2021 ]  Communities in Deir ez Zor are also suffering from bread shortages, forcing residents to buy bread at vastly inflated prices on local markets
[ November 2020, Al Hasakeh NES ]  Reported modalities by which information was received; NGOs/ charities 94% Internet 92%, Friends/family 60% and Television 38%
[ 23rd December, Overall Syria ]  An inter agency socio economic impact assessment of COVID 19 completed in August estimated 200,000 300,000 jobs had been permanently lost
[ 17 April 2021, GoS ]  On the condition of anonymity, a female teacher from Eastern Ghouta in Damascus countryside told Enab Baladi that “there are nearly 60 students in each classroom, with three students stuffed into the same desk. Hygiene and health conditions are deplorable, and no precautions are taken against the spread of the coronavirus. Instead, the students are offered poor ventilation.'
[ 23rd December, Overall Syria ]  The informal sector and businesses have been heavily impacted, with 15 per cent of small and medium sized business reporting permanent closure. In addition, remittances – on which many families heavily rely – are estimated to have reduced up to 50 per cent.
[ 1 8 March 2021, NWS ]  In March, the value of the regional Survival Minimum Expenditure Basket  ( SMEB )  reached 422,032 SYP, a 21% increase compared to February and an 85% long term increase since September 2020, setting a new record for the highest ever recorded price in the Market Monitoring Exercise in NWS. The SMEB in United States Dollar  ( USD )  decreased slightly from 116 USD in February to 113 USD in March alongside a slight depreciation of the SYP against the USD.
[ 25th March, 2021, Overall Syria ]  Sub districts with highest number of HHs in need of food: Number of HHs in need of food   Damascus Governorate, Damascus Sub District: 315,259   Idleb Governorate, Dana Sub District: 195,819   Hama Governorate, Hama Sub District: 143,305
[ November 2, Idleb ]  The issue is not just the poor or limited means of providing water, but rather, some small informal camps in the countryside of Idlib face a real humanitarian catastrophe in the absence of a donor providing water to the residents of these tents in light of the pandemic, and difficult living conditions that limit their ability to personally secure it.
[ GoS, Jan 4 ]  Economic researcher Manaf Quman pointed out to Enab Baladi that the imposition of sanctions on the Central Bank of Syria aims at narrowing the entries and exits of the regime's finance and needs in a more significant way. He added, this will lead the regime to rely more on informal networks to evade sanctions.