nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
[ September 22, GoS ]  Dr. Hassaba pointed out that the cumulative number of cases currently being treated in hospitals has reached 2,000 in the various governorates. He indicated that the governorates of Lattakia, Aleppo, Damascus, Rural Damascus, and Hama have recorded the highest case numbers during the current wave.
[ September 22, GoS ]  The official confirmed that cases during the current wave are less serious and respond faster to treatment. Periods of hospitalization during the past waves ranged from 15 to 20 days; during the current wave, hospital stays range from 10 to 12 days. Dr. Hassaba also pointed out that the number of deaths is lower than for the previous waves, when twice the number of deaths was recorded, despite fewer overall cases occurring.
[ September 23, NWS ] Many hospitals were already stretched to the limit of their capacity even though many cases were less severe than previous waves, officials say. "The occupancy of intensive care units  ( ICU )  for COVID 19 patients have reached close to 100%," said Issam al Amin, the head of Mouwasat University Hospital, one of the largest public hospitals in the capital city of Damascus, with over 800 beds.
[ September 9, NWS ]  The organisation said only 14 ICU beds remained available this morning – just 9% of the total ICU beds across nine hospitals treating COVID patients in the region. Nearly a third of ICU patients have been admitted in the past two days alone. [ i ]
[ September 9, NWS ]  Between 5 7 September, there have been 4,562 cases reported across North West Syria, with infection rates rising among young people in particular. [ ii ]  With testing supplies scarce across the region and likely to run out in the next week, this is likely to be a severe underestimate, the child rights organisation said.
[ September 9, NWS ]  The new cases have pushed the local health system to the brink, and many non urgent medical operations in hospitals have been temporarily suspended.
[ September 9, NWS ]  Millions live in overcrowded displacement camps and urban areas in North West Syria, with two to three families living in a single room in some instances, making it near impossible to follow social distancing measures.
[ September 9, NWS ]  “The sharp rise in cases of COVID 19 and of hospitalisations is incredibly alarming. North West Syria's health system  already fragile   is close to breaking point. “Community spread is another reason for concern. With testing capacities stretched to the limit, there's now a real risk of a virus outbreak within overcrowded communities. This means children and people with underlying conditions and chronic health problems will be at considerable risk.'
[ August 2021, Overall Syria ]  M o m, 11 governorates recorded an increasing average reference food basket price in August 2021. The highest m o m increase of 12 percent was reported in Deir ez Zor where the cost of the basket reached SYP 162,698, while the lowest m om increase  ( one percent )  was reported in Ar Raqqa where the price rose to SYP 179,889. The reference food basket price in Homs, Lattakia and As Sweida remained unchanged m o m. Idleb and Quneitra reported the highest average food basket price at SYP 197,087 and SYP 182,784, respectively.
[ August 2021, Overall Syria ]  As a result of limited wheat availability in Syria, on 15 August, the Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection  ( MoITCP )  announced a new mechanism for subsidised bread allocations through the smart card system. Quotas of subsidised bread bundles are to be provided by family size and not to exceed a specific amount per week. The distribution of bread bundles will take place during all days of the week except for Friday  ( bakery's day off ) . Previously, bread bundles were distributed on a daily basis based on family size; one bundle per family of one or two people; two bundles per family of three or four people; three bundles per family of five or six people; and four bundles per family of seven people or more.
[ August 2021, NWS, GoS ]  Wheat Flour: Broken down by regions, Northwest Syria recorded the highest retail price at SYP 2,141/kg  ( down one percent m o m ) , followed by the Southern region at SYP 2,019/kg  ( up three percent m om ) . While the Cross border region recorded the lowest retail price at SYP 1,606/kg  ( up five percent m o m ) , followed by the Coastal region at SYP 1,852/kg  ( up five percent m o m ) .
[ August 2021, Overall Syria, GoS, NES ]  The national average price of subsidized bread in August 2021 reached SYP 237/ bundle  ( up 14 percent m o m and 359 percent y oy ) . The Coastal region recorded the highest price of SYP 251/bundle  ( up five percent m o m ) , followed by the Middle region at SYP 250/ bundle  ( up 13 percent m o m ) . While the Southern region recorded the lowest price at SYP 224/bundle  ( up 14 percent m o m ) , followed by Northeast Syria at SYP 239/bundle  ( up 17 percent m o m ) .
[ August 2021, Overall Syria ]  The national average retail price of Egyptian white rice increased by two percent compared to July 2021 and by 66 percent y o y, reaching SYP 2,519/kg in August 2021. Quneitra recorded the highest price at SYP 2,973/kg  ( almost unchanged m o m ) , followed by Aleppo at SYP 2,801/kg  ( up seven percent m o m ) . However, Al Hasakeh recorded the lowest price at SYP 2,150/kg  ( up two percent m o m ) , followed by Ar Raqqa at SYP 2,172  ( up three percent m o m ) .
[ August 2021, Overall Syria ]  The highest informal exchange rate was reported in Damascus, Hama and Homs at SYP 3,412/USD  ( depreciated by four, five and five percent, respectively, m o m ) , followed by Rural Damascus at SYP 3,390/USD  ( depreciated by four percent m o m ) . On the other hand, the lowest rate was reported in Idleb at SYP 3,284/USD  ( depreciated by two percent m om ) , followed by Deir ez Zor at SYP 3,334/USD  ( depreciated by four percent m o m ) . Moreover, the formal exchange rate and the UN operational rate have both remained unchanged m o m at SYP 2,500/USD.
[ August 2021, Overall Syria ]  The national average non skilled labour wage, representing construction, off loading and agricultural labour, was recorded at SYP 7,278/day  ( up three percent m o m )  in August 2021. Moreover, the wage rate was 71 percent above its y o y level and 39 percent above levels recorded in February 2021
[ August 2021, GoS, NWS & NES ]  The price of commercial bread increased by four percent m o m and by 88 percent y o y, reaching SYP 1,870/bundle. The Southern region recorded the highest price of SYP 2,054/bundle  ( up two percent m o  m ) , followed by Northwest Syria at SYP 1,987/bundle  ( down one percent m o m ) . On the other hand, Northeast Syria recorded the lowest price at SYP 1,226/bundle  ( almost unchanged m o m ) , followed by the Cross Border region at SYP 1,755/bundle  ( up six percent m o m )
[ August 2021, Overall Syria ]  The informal national average price of transport diesel increased by 10 percent m o m and by 379 percent since August 2020 reaching SYP 2,297/litre. The informal price remains four times higher than the formal price  ( SYP 443/litre )  . Damascus recorded the highest informal price at SYP 3,011/litre  ( up 13 percent m o m ) , while AlHasakeh recorded the lowest price at SYP 229/litre  ( unchanged m o m ) .
[ August 2021, GoS, NWS ]  Damascus recorded the highest daily wage rate at SYP 10,667/day  ( up four percent m o m ) , while Deir ez Zor recorded the lowest daily wage rate at SYP 4,518/day  ( down seven percent m o m ) . Broken down by region, the Southern region recorded the highest wage rate of SYP 8,777/day  ( up 12 percent m o m ) , while Northwest Syria recorded the lowest wage rate of SYP 5,575/day  ( down six percent m o m ) .
[ August 2021, Overall Syria ]  Between July and August 2021, the price of chicken increased as a result of a number of factors. The high price of chicken is largely linked to the high cost of inputs, especially feed, which have also forced a large number of small breeders to move away from raising chicks, resulting in supply chain disruptions across the market. In addition, the higher price of fuel leading to increased transport cost also played a key role in increasing food prices, including chicken.
[ August 2021, Overall Syria ] M o m, the national average retail price of wheat flour throughout Syria increased in August 2021 by two percent, reaching SYP 1,913/kg. The wheat flour price also increased by 26 percent compared to February 2021 and by 88 percent y o y. Damascus recorded the highest wheat flour price in August at SYP 2,096/kg  ( up 10 percent m o m ) , followed by Dar'a at SYP 2,088/kg  ( up four percent m o m ) . However, Idleb recorded the lowest price of SYP 1,569/kg  ( up one percent m o m ) , followed by Al Hasakeh at SYP 1,695/kg  ( down three percent m o m ) .
[ August 2021, Overall Syria ]  The national average ToT between wheat flour and wage labour, a proxy indicator for purchasing power, increased by one percent between July and August 2021, reaching 3.81 kgs of wheat flour/daily wage compared to 3.76 kgs of wheat flour in July 2021.
[ August 2021, Overall Syria ]  M o m, the national average retail price of bulgur increased by five percent at SYP 2,103/kg in August 2021, whereas y o y, the price of bulgur increased by 72 percent. Homs recorded the highest bulgur retail price at SYP 2,467/kg  ( up six percent m o m ) , followed by As Sweida at SYP 2,410/kg  ( up five percent m o m ) . However, Idleb recorded the lowest price at SYP 1,679/kg  ( up nine percent m o m ) , followed by Al Hasakeh at SYP 1,715/kg  ( down two percent m o m ) .
[ August 2021, Overall Syria, NWS, NES ]  The informal national average price of heating diesel increased by 16 percent m o m, reaching SYP 2,465/litre. Broken down by regions, Northwest Syria recorded the highest price at SYP 3,500/litre  ( up 75 percent m o m ) , while Northeast Syria recorded the lowest price at SYP 1,250/litre  ( up 11 percent m o m ) .
[ August 2021, Overall Syria ]  The national average ToT between wheat flour and wage labour increased by 10 percent compared to February 2021  ( six months ago ) , while it decreased by nine percent compared to August 2020. In other words, the national average daily wage of a non skilled labourer could buy 3.8 kgs of wheat flour in August 2021 compared to 3.5 kgs in February 2021, and 4.2 kgs in August 2020.
[ August 2021, Overall Syria ]  Year on year  ( y o y ) , the price of the reference food basket has significantly increased across all 14 governorates. Aleppo recorded the highest increase  ( up 131 percent )  followed by Quneitra  ( up by 130 percent ) , while Idleb recorded the lowest increase  ( up 66 percent ) .
[ August 2021, NWS ]  ToT between wage labour and wheat flour: Broken down by region, the Cross border region recorded the highest ToT at 4.9 kgs  ( down one percent m o m ) , while Northwest Syria recorded the lowest ToT at 2.6 kgs  ( down five percent m o m ) .
[ August 2021, GoS, NES & NWS ]  ToT between sheep and wheat flour: Broken down by region, the Middle region in Syria recorded the highest average price across Syria at SYP 607,462/sheep  ( up six percent m o m ) , followed by the Coastal region at SYP 549,222/sheep  ( up 40 percent m om ) . While Northeast Syria recorded the lowest price at SYP 452,995/sheep  ( down one percent m o m ) , followed by Northwest Syria at SYP 473,000/ sheep  ( down 14 percent m o m ) .
[ August 2021, Overall Syria ]  Between July and August 2021, the prices of all monitored COVID 19 items slightly increased. M o m, the price of surgeon masks and plastic gloves increased by four percent for each item, reaching SYP 372/mask and SYP 609/ pair, respectively. Moreover, m o m, the price of hand gel, bleach and soap bars increased by three percent for all these items and by four percent for alcohol spray, reaching SYP 1,117/50 ml, SYP 1,447/litre, SYP 515/bar and SYP 2,304/200 ml, respectively
[ August 2021, Overall Syria ]  Compared to February 2020  ( prior to the COVID 19 outbreak in Syria ) , the price of all items in August 2021 increased. For example the price of hand gel, alcohol spray and plastic gloves increased by 364, 451 and 809 percent, respectively. Also, the price of soap bars, bleach and surgeon masks increased by 245, 248, and 371 percent, respectively.
[ August 2021, GoS, NWS & NES ]  Red Split Lentils: Broken down by region, Northwest Syria recorded the highest price at SYP 3,173/kg  ( up five percent m o m ) , followed by the Coastal region at SYP 2,922/kg  ( up six percent m o m ) . The Cross border region recorded the lowest price of red split lentils at SYP 2,550/kg  ( up nine percent m o m ) , followed by Northeast Syria at SYP 2,631/kg  ( up six percent m o m )
[ August 2021, GoS, NWS & NES ]  ToT between sheep and wheat flour: Broken down by region, the Middle region recorded the highest ToT at 325 kg/sheep  ( up eight percent m o m ) , followed by the Cross border region at 303 kg/sheep  ( down 17 percent m o m ) . While Northwest Syria recorded the lowest ToT at 221 kg/sheep  ( down 13 percent m o m ) , followed by the Northeast Syria at 241 kg/sheep  ( down six percent m o m )
[ 20th Jan 2021, NSAG ]  % of SDs with majority of population in need of; Soap or Water 73%, 73% masks and 73% disinfectant.
[ November 2020 ]  The Kurdish Self Administration imposed COVID 19 related movement restrictions between 26 Nov. and 5 Dec. 2020 in Al Hasakeh and Ar Raqqa. The curfew included obligatory closure of markets & shops leading to price increases of many food items
In Syria, UNHCR provided guidance to partners on delivering services to persons with specific needs during of the COVID 19 pandemic, including trainings on remote interventions for MHPSS case management, home based rehabilitation programmes for persons with disabilities, a home based training programme for older persons and awareness raising sessions.
[ December 20, Dar'a ]  The source added that the isolation center in Izraa has stopped receiving the infected cases, due to the fullness of the 250 beds allocated for quarantine and medical isolation, in addition to the delay in the arrival of PCR swabs for more than a week, which contributed to the spread of the disease significantly due to the inability to detect the infected persons .
[ December 20, Dar'a ]  The Ministry of Health had previously stopped the PCR tests, which were limited to critical cases within clinics and hospitals.
[ October 18, Quneitra, vaccination campaign launched ]  The mobile teams and health centers take into account the precautionary measures against the Corona virus, as there is a commitment to masks and gloves, constant sterilization and physical distancing
This brings the total number of Coronavirus cases registered in Syria to 2073, the recoveries to 475, and the death toll to 83.
This brings the total number of Coronavirus cases registered in Syria to 2143, of which 490 recovered while 85 cases passed away.
[ December 21, GoS ]  The Director of Civil Aviation, Bassem Mansour, announced the return of aviation to the airports of Aleppo, Latakia and Qamishli, today, Monday, and indicated that the  ( pcr )  analysis is not required between local airports, that is, between governorates.
[ 31st october 2020, ] Damascus, SANA Health Ministry announced on Saturday that 45 new coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, adding that 39 patients have recovered while 3 others have passed away.
[ December 21, GoS ]  The Director of Civil Aviation stressed that the Syrian Airlines or Cham Wings Special will start programming its flights gradually and according to international protocols with a 10% capacity, and that the flight schedule will be based on the requests submitted by companies in the countries that intend to travel to the airports that have been restarted.
[ 31st october 2020, ]  In a statement to SANA, the ministry indicated that the total number of coronavirus infections registered in the country till now has reached at 5728, out of which 1976 ones have recovered while 288 others have passed away.
[ December 21, GoS ]  The Director of Civil Aviation explained that taking all measures is required to prevent the spread of the Corona virus, on domestic flights, as for international flights, "Mansour" confirmed that there is a health center in airports to check arrivals, he said.
To date, six cases of COVID 19 have been reported in the north east, including one death.
On May 01, the government extended to almost all businesses permission to reopen every day between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Those excluded by the decision include weddings and funeral halls, trade exhibitions, conferences, internet cafés, playgrounds, cinemas and theatres, popular parks, and restaurants, except for delivery services.
[ 17th November 2020, Overall Syria ]  The ministry added in a statement to SANA that the total number of Coronavirus infections registered in the country till now has reached at 6836, out of which 2817 ones have recovered while 354 others have passed away.
Syria then closed all border crossings to passenger travel, although goods can still enter the country.
This brings the total number of Coronavirus cases registered in Syria to 2628, of which 599 recovered while 106 cases passed away.
The past week saw some banks announce a cut in their staff's salaries. The International Bank for Trade and Finance, for instance, deducted 50 percent of the April pay for employees who could not come to work because of movement restrictions, while Bank of Syria and Overseas deducted 30 percent from salaries, according to reports on social media
Furthermore, critical nutrition and school based programmes need to be safeguarded in order to serve as a safety net for children and households, and to build a foundation for recovery
In completion of the preparations for the new school year, Damascus Countryside Education Directorate has continued to implement its plan on repairing and renovating schools to be able to receive the students.
[ 29th September 2020, Overall Syria ]  As of 29 September, 4,102 cases  ( 194 fatalities and 1,074 recovered )  were confirmed by the Syrian Ministry of Health.
Faraj added that all the required precautionary measures have been taken for addressing the novel coronavirus “covid 19' such as distributing sterilization materials among all the schools in Damascus Countryside in accordance with the health protocol and appointing a health supervisor in each school to raise awareness among students of the health habits.
[ 23rd september Northwest Syria ] Low agricultural production eroding incomes and assets. Military escalation led to loss of farming and cropping land, which limited crop production, and further increased input prices. Only 58 percent of the population's minimum bread needs are being met. While animal production in NWS still provides dairy products, eggs, and meat, it is under constant threat from uncontrolled livestock epidemics  ( such as the Lumpy Skin Disease outbreak in 2019 and 2020 ) .
[ Sept 2020, Rural Aleppo ]  The Government of Syria  ( GoS )  should facilitate the access of INGOs to rural and remote communities for timely, principled humanitarian assistance.
[ 12th November 2020, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Thursday that 65 new Coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, and 54 patients have recovered while 4 others have passed away.
[ 7th oct 2020 Overall Syria ] Access to Rukban from within Syria remains under discussion with the various parties. The border crossing point with Jordan remains closed, curtailing access to the UN clinic. On 27 September, the Jaber/Nassib border crossing for commercial movement was re opened by the Jordanian authorities following more than six weeks of closure. Tartous and Lattakia ports remain operational, with precautionary measures in place.
The spike in caseload, however, likely still severely understates the true spread of COVID 19 in the area.
[ 7th oct 2020 Raqqa ]  In Ar Raqqa District, 129 new cases over the same period  ( a 211 per cent increase )  have been reported, while the first cases have also recorded in Menbij. Overall, the number of confirmed cases does not provide an accurate reflection of infection prevalence
[ 23rd september Northwest Syria ]  Almost 3 in 10 children under the age of five suffer from stunting and acute malnutrition is rising.
[ 1 Oct 2020, Whole of Syria ]  Over a third of those displaced inside Syria have a disability  ( 36 percent ) .
[ 23rd september Northwest Syria ] 2.7 million internally displaced. Since December 2019 almost 1.4 million were forced to flee their homes, with many assisted in the camps and hosted by local communities.
Within the agriculture sector, the most affected are small livestock herders, due to an increase in feed prices, market closures, movement restrictions and increasing transportation costs.
[ 23rd september Northwest Syria ] COVID 19 and its health, economic and food security impacts. As a result of COVID 19, access to markets is being reduced, driving up food prices and hitting people's incomes. 40 cases have been reported in over crowded areas of NWS, with the risk of a rapid further spread.
[ 23rd september Northwest Syria ] Economic crisis: twin tracks of sharp currency depreciation and high inflation. Prices of food, medicine, and fuel have reached unprecedented levels, with the Syrian Pound  ( SYP )  depreciating by at least 325 percent over the past one year. The national average reference food basket price has recorded a 261 percent increase year on year as of July 2020 with the highest spike recorded in Idlib at 464 percent.
[ 23rd september Syria ] Syria: a country in its tenth year of conflict facing the threat of a pandemic. With the economic crisis, mass displacement and high unemployment, COVID 19 is also rolling back development and putting unbearable pressure on host communities.
The World Bank forecasts the deepest global recession since the Second World War and estimates that up to 100 million people across the world will be pushed into extreme poverty  ( WB 2020 ) . For households in fragile contexts, the pandemic is particularly troubling, as it exacerbates existing vulnerabilities, driving communities deeper into hunger and destitution.
[ Sept 2020, Rural Aleppo ]  Female headed households were among the most affected in southern rural Aleppo. Problems such as childcaring responsibilities, jobs: unregular / informal / unemployed, disruption of transportation, reduction of meal, pause in assistance.
[ 23rd september Northwest Syria ] 22% increase in bread prices from April to May 2020. More than 30% of bakeries no longer operational.
[ 23rd september Northwest Syria ] Displaced families make up two thirds of the population of northwest Syria  ( NWS ) . They rely on food assistance to survive as conflict persists, the economy is in crisis, and agricultural production ‒ the only income generating sector left   is being further limited by COVID 19 measures.
Public transport within governorates has also been allowed again.
[ 1 Oct 2020, Whole of Syria ]  A significant proportion   36 percent   of IDP HHs are headed by a member with disabilities, affecting HH ability to secure sufficient economic resources, disproportionately exposing over a third of displaced HHs to on going socio economic shocks associated with displacement. Indeed, only 14 percent of HHs with multiple members with disabilities report sufficient income.
In north west Syria, 61,067 returns were reported over the month of May. 97 percent of nationwide returns were reported in northwest Syria, due to the ceasefire agreement which has reduced hostilities in the region. Accordingly, nearly all  ( 94 percent )  of returns were primarily motivated by an improvement in the security situation at the place of origin.
As of April 21, the number of Syrians who tested positive for the Coronavirus increased to 42, up from 29 a week earlier. The number of deaths rose from two to three, while those who have recovered from the virus increased from five to six. All positive cases were recorded in Damascus and its countryside, according to Minister of Health Nizar Yazigi, which probably means that most of Syria's testing capacity is in and around the Syrian capital.
The ministry said it had received a donation of testing kits from China. While the local media reported about the delivery extensively and an official delegation was even sent to the airport to receive it, images of the donation – including just two small cartons – were ridiculed by many Syrians.
Immunization campaigns have been disrupted or delayed in several countries as governments enforce measures to control the pandemic including in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, CAR, Niger, Syria and Yemen
Impacts of COVID 19 are highly context specific and affect population groups differently. Overall, pre existing vulnerabilities of population groups are likely to be exacerbated as availability of and access to basic services, employment opportunities, safety nets and resources to protect or rebuild livelihoods are more strained than ever before.
It is also important to ensure the functionality of agri food trade, especially for countries that highly depend on food imports and are experiencing significant financial and fiscal crises. This would include assistance to governments for compliance with food safety measures to ease food import and exports, and border controls.
In Syria, breeders could continue to have limited or no access to necessary feeds to maintain milk production during the critical July to September period, which could result in below average body conditions and reduced milk production.
Damascus, SANA  Health Ministry announced on Monday that 87 new coronavirus cases were registered in the country and 8 cases have recovered while 4 ones have passed away.
In one collective shelter, the key informant explained that IDPs did not have permission to stay, while 5 collective shelters set a limitation for how long the IDPs could stay.
To address immediate needs and lay the foundations for recovery, governments must be at the centre of the response, and supported in strengthening national capacities, particularly in the areas of social protection, basic service delivery and food systems.
Lack of access to these supplies provides a stark illustration of the impact of the loss of the crossing point, which supported health care provision for millions of Syrians.
[ 10th November 2020, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Tuesday that 68 new Coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, and 49 patients have recovered while 4 others have passed away.
Schools, mosques and markets have been closed, and people have been instructed to self isolate.
With the closure of so many health facilities in Al Hol, we've seen the number of patients coming to our clinics double in the past week, and – while we've tripled the number of doctors on duty in order to meet the needs of all those seeking health care – this is putting a serious strain on our health teams.
In just one week, cases of COVID 19 have risen by over 60% in northeast Syria – a situation that is cause for serious alarm, according to the International Rescue Committee.
Additionally, only 6 collective shelters reported that there was enough space for men and women to sleep separately and a further 6 collective shelters reported that there is enough space to enable families to sleep separately from people that they did not know
Recommendations: GOAL's market team should work with vendors contracted for voucher programming on a pricing transition process, and encourage vendors to display commodity prices in both USD and SYP and display the USD:SYP exchange rate they are using, to support transparency. GOAL should ensure voucher assistance is transitioned to USD at the same time in each supported community. At cash distributions, GOAL should display the USD:SYP exchange rate for the day of distribution. Distribution teams should check the quality of the USD notes before the distributions. If specific USD notes are unavailable, a small portion of the assistance package should be distributed in SYP. For repeat MPCA programming  ( 30 dollars per household per month ) , teams may consider distributing two months of assistance per round.
Underfunded and understaffed local health governance actors and medical NGOs are currently racing against time in their attempts to respond to the situation.
[ 10th November 2020, Overall Syria ]  The ministry added in a statement to SANA that the total number of Coronavirus infections registered in the country till now has reached at 6352, out of which 2454 ones have recovered while 325 others have passed away.
Based on what was monitored by Enab Baladi, the “financial motive' or poverty tops the reasons for committing crimes, where 67 percent of them are attributed to the economic conditions ravaging Syrian citizens
The IRC says there is an urgent need to scale up health capacity in the camp, and across the whole of northeast Syria, to prevent further deaths   both from preventable causes and from COVID 19 itself.
Approximately 2.16 million treatment courses were delivered to northeast Syria via the Yarubiyah border crossing in 2019.
This situation was marked by key informants' evaluation of the sleeping conditions within the collective shelters. 40 collective shelters reported frequent interruptions to sleep impacting 8,454 IDPs; 62 collective shelters reported overcrowded impacting 14,066 IDPs; 68 collective shelters reported that conditions were cold and damp impacting 12,768 IDPs
[ January 2021, Ar Raqqa Governorate ]   [ Mahmoudli Camp Overview: No. of Individual: 10,277 ]  In Mahmoudli Camp, main information sources about COVID 19 as reported by households are: • NGOs or charities: 98%, • Posters/flyers in the street: 64%, • Friends/family: 52%.
Domestic food prices have increased in many countries since the beginning of the pandemic and might still come under further pressure. A fall in poor countries' export earnings due to plummeting prices for primary commodities  ( oil, ores, metals )  and/or a drastic fall in tourism have put a strain on currencies and driven up food prices, particularly for imported foods.
Particular attention should be paid to IDPs and refugee populations due to their specific risks and heightened vulnerabilities.
Low wages and limited work opportunities affected both residents and IDPs. Low wages were reportedly the main barrier to accessing sufficient livelihoods for both residents and IDPs. In fact, while reported estimated wages did not show a significant change from previous months, the increase in prices of essential goods resulted in a decreased purchasing power for waged workers.
17 collective shelters are at risk eviction: 10 collective shelters are in Salqin, 3 are in Dana and one collective shelter each is in Afrin, Al Bab, A'zaz, and Mare' sub districts.This would impact a total of 651 households  ( 3,332 IDPs ) . Reasons for eviction included returning the building to its pre conflict use as in the case of 13 collective shelters.
[ 24 Jan 2021, NES ]  As of Friday afternoon  ( 22 January ) , Alouk's water station is reported to have started operating again. However, it will take up to three days for the water to arrive to the people in the Al Hasakah region.
[ 24 Jan 2021, NES ]  As of this Sunday  ( 24 January ) , some parts of the region are experiencing the eighth straight day without water.
On August 27, health authorities also recorded two cases in Al Bab city.
Meanwhile, during the holy month of Ramadan, which is expected to start on April 23, the curfew times have been amended to start at 7:30 pm, instead of 6:00 pm, and last until 6:00 am the following day. Also, a growing number of business sectors and government administrations have been allowed to reopen, including tax and cadastral affairs departments in the provinces, which may reflect the need for the government to resume collecting taxes and other fees.
Restaurants will remain closed for the time being, except for delivery services.
Border closures and suspension of weekly and open air markets in many countries have led to reduced regional trade and prevented farmers selling their produce, sometimes leading to localized food scarcity and increased prices.
[ 1 Oct 2020, Whole of Syria ]  50% of IDPs aged 12 23 with a disability are attending school, compared to 69% of IDPs without a disability. The main reason for not attending for HHs with members with disabilities  ( % of IDP HHs with at least one member with disabilities and children out of education )  is lack of affordability of education, while the main reason for HHs without members with disabilities is lack of school for age group, followed by reasons related to COVID 19.
As of 26 May, the laboratories have performed testing for around 4,880 cases for COVID 19, with 180 190 tests currently performed per day.
In addition, due to supply chain disruptions, input prices are increasing in many countries. This dynamic is likely to lead to a vicious cycle of declining production, reduced agricultural labour opportunities and increasing food prices, resulting in negative coping strategies and a further deterioration of food and nutrition security.
[ January 2021, Ar Raqqa Governorate ]   [ Mahmoudli Camp Overview: No. of Individual: 10,277 ]  In Mahmoudli Camp, Top measures taken by households in response to the pandemic: • Washing hands more regularly 90% • Staying at home as much as possible 86% • Avoiding touching other people 36%
As of 31 May, COVID 19 preventative measures continue to impact humanitarian access in Syria despite a general relaxation of the several rules issued in the various parts of the country now being observed.
In NWS, the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic continue to exacerbate humanitarian needs of people. Measures taken to prevent the spread of the virus that include movement restrictions and business closures reportedly have had a serious negative effect on the fragile local economy.
Since28 July, Idleb authorities have reportedly required that all commercial livestock trade in the Idleb area be transacted in Turkish Lira.
[ 1 Oct 2020, Whole of Syria ]  Females with a disability are 3 times more likely to be widowed than females without a disability. A total of 16 percent of females with a disability are widowed, compared to only 3 percent of men with a disability and 5 percent of females without a disability.
[ 1 Oct 2020, Whole of Syria ]  88 percent of working aged IDP males without a disability have engaged in some form of paid work in the last 3 months, compared to only 20 percent of females. These figures grow increasingly stark for persons with disabilities, and significantly compounds the risks facing already vulnerable households. While 72 percent of males with disabilities are employed, only 15 percent of females with disabilities are employed  they are less than half as likely to achieve employment compared to females without a disability.
[ 14th January 2021, NW Syria ]  During the COVID 19 pandemic, “Human Right Watch  ( HRW )  has documented the discriminatory distribution of masks, gloves and protective equipment,' said Sara Kayyali, Syria researcher at HRW. She also pointed out that testing capacities in northeast and northwest Syria “are very low compared with areas held by the Syrian government.'
For children from already impoverished and food insecure households, the negative effects of the crisis, including extended school closures and missing out on school meals, could have lifelong effects and further perpetuate the vicious cycle of poverty and inequality. Overall, COVID 19 will have group specific implications which will need to be closely assessed and monitored to ensure ‘no one is left behind'.
Immunizations levels: DPT3  ( under 1y )  62%, Measles  ( 1 2y )  61% and Polio  ( under 1y )  60%
[ 5th November 2020, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Thursday that 76 new Coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, and 52 patients have recovered while 4 others have passed away.
The food security of refugees and internally displaced persons, who are typically extremely vulnerable to shocks, is now threatened by constrained supply chains, reduced opportunities for self reliance, and rising food prices amidst severe underfunding for humanitarian assistance. e. New food insecure populations are also emerging, particularly in urban areas and among those employed in the informal sector
Assistance channels can also be used to disseminate COVID 19 sensitization and prevention messaging, especially in remote and highly congested areas with limited reach by government schemes, as well as for distribution of protection equipment to reduce transmission along the food chain. Wherever possible, flexible financing should be encouraged to support FAO, WFP and partners in this process, enabling them to channel funds where they are most needed at any given time
Going back to regime areas, the Syrian president has postponed the parliamentary elections that were supposed to be held on May 20 to July 19. It is the second time they have been postponed from the original date of April 13.
Governments should be supported in their efforts to strengthen national response capacity – particularly in the areas of social protection and basic service delivery – and to adopt policies and make investments in agricultural production and in maintaining critical supply chains that strengthen food systems.Moreover, governments should ensure coordination in the response across sectors, mainstreaming health and safety measures.
The Ministry of Endowments allowed mosques to open for Friday prayers, starting from May 08, while the Ministry of Higher Education announced that it was preparing a plan to hold university exams while maintaining social distancing and other precautionary measures.
Health and WASH actors continue health facility assessments to gauge IPC capacity, with many implementing IPC measures, including by establishing distance, maintaining cross ventilation, handwashing and disinfection, and upgrading triage areas.
The COVID 19 outbreak in government controlled areas of Syria is now out of control and overwhelming the limited capacities of the war torn country's health care sector.
The cabinet directed the parties concerned at the Ministry of Education and its affiliated bodies to adapt the study plan accordingly and abide by the plan proposed by the Ministry to compensate for the educational loss and to observe all health requirements.
Syrian refugee women felt more drastic changes in employment status than Syrian refugee men, as 61 percent reported losing their jobs due to COVID 19 compared to 46 percent of Syrian men. Hyperinflation impacted households' ability to access food.
[ 5th November 2020, Overall Syria ]  The ministry added in a statement to SANA that the total number of Coronavirus infections registered in the country till now has reached at 6040, out of which 2195 ones have recovered while 305 others have passed away.
[ 28th April 2020, Syria ]  The health care sector has severe shortages of equipment needed to tackle a Covid 19 outbreak.
As it becomes increasingly clear that the virus is far more prevalent than is being reported, an urgent increase in supplies and a radical change in approach to mitigating the outbreak, as well as increased transparency, are needed to prevent the growing catastrophe.
More than half  ( 59 percent )  of older people in Lebanon and 34 percent in Syria were unable to follow advice to avoid group gatherings and shaking hands and to stay at home as much as possible.
As the government fails to grapple with the crisis, ordinary Syrians have relied on personal stories and rumours, shared via social media, to get a sense of the scale of the pandemic. Over the last week, what started as quiet murmurs has grown into a constant and deafening cry for help from a population seeing large numbers of their family and friends falling ill and unable to access healthcare
Earlier on Sunday, the cabinet reviewed the health protocol submitted by the Education Ministry for the new school year with all of its stages and the mechanisms of applying it to address the coronavirus in a way that would preserve the health of the students and the teaching staff and would guarantee the quality of the educational process.
[ Sept 2020, Rural Aleppo ]  INGOs should design interventions focusing on the increased access to livelihoods opportunities for female headed households in rural, remote communities.
In Syria, for example, 51 percent of older people reported that TV was their preferred method for receiving information about COVID 19. Word of mouth  ( 39 percent )  and internet  ( 36 percent )  were the second and third preferred methods for receiving information. In Tanzanian refugee camps, radio  ( 63 percent ) , loudspeaker  ( 51 percent )  and community meetings  ( 47 percent )  were the preferred methods
On the other hand, all major annual trade fairs, exhibitions, and conferences planned for this year have been cancelled.
In the absence of reliable data,Syria in Contextis forced to try and infer the scale of the outbreak from available information. According to the director of the Syrian “Board of Deceased', deaths in the country had been growing exponentially since 10 July.
Meanwhile, the government's Covid 19 task force decided to reopen universities and other higher education institutions by May 31. It also set the start of the annual exams between the end of July and the beginning of August.
Meanwhile, records from the Ministry of Health show that in government held areas the number of positive cases infected with Covid 19 increased to 47 from 45 a week ago. The number of recoveries increased to 29 from 27, while the number of deaths remained stable at three. The two new positive cases were recorded in Damascus and its countryside.
Various government ministries are starting to plan for a reopening of activities. For instance, the Ministry of Tourism is considering allowing tourist establishments to reopen around one month after the Eid Al Fitr holiday. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour is planning to resume the activities of community and youth empowerment centres. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture has postponed discussing the reopening of cultural centres, cinemas, and theatres until the end of Ramadan.
In response to rumours of growing numbers of deaths, the Damascus Governorate office of the deceased announced it had recorded 107 deaths on August 1; 104 the day July 31; 127 on July 30; and 133 on July 29. Comparing these numbers with average daily deaths in the capital in prior years, said to be around 25 in 2016, suggests a range of 79 to 108 excess deaths in the capital over the past weekend. These numbers are further substantiated by the claims of a doctor at one of the principal COVID 19 hospitals in the country who says he recorded 800 deaths at his facility in just one week.
[ November 2020, Syria ]  The national average price of a standard reference food basket1 increased by 13 percent in November 2020 compared to October 2020 and was at SYP 99,243. This is the highest recorded price since WFP started monitoring prices in 2013. In November, the national average food basket price was 75 percent higher than in May 2020  ( six months ago )  and was 251 percent higher compared to Nov. 2019  (
Various administrative departments are resuming work, including consular and civil affairs services. The civil affairs department of the Ministry of Interior will return gradually to work. From May 10 to May 14, 60 percent of employees will return to work granting civil status documents. From May 17 to May 21, an additional 20 percent will return to deliver IDs and most other documents
In countries facing food crises such as Sudan, Syria and Yemen, the quantity, frequency, and diversity of the food that the most vulnerable children and families consume have further decreased. These countries are among the top 10 countries in the world experiencing the worst food crises in 2019, with a total of 28.4 million people affected
The Syrian government has also struggled to implement and sustain prevention measures, as the country has suffered a simultaneous economic crisis, further immiserating millions of Syrians who now find themselves in an impossible position, with even formerly middle class Damascenes now living in cramped quarters, queuing for essential goods and dependent on work outside the house
The scale of the outbreak has overwhelmed the country's fragile health system. Last week already, two major humanitarian groups, Mercy Corps and World Vision, had warned that the healthcare system in Damascus was beyond capacity.
Mothers withkindergarten aged children will not have to resume work. The immigration and passports department is also resuming work, delivering passports, renewing residency permits for foreigners and granting exit visas. So will traffic services, which have started delivering driving licences again.
Syria is believed to have no more than 300 critical care beds in government controlled areas in total, meaning the worst affected areas in the capital are likely to have already exceeded its capacity by some measure.
On May 11, a Syrianair plane carrying 245 passengers from Russia landed in Damascus and another with 250 passengers landed from Kuwait the following day. The passengers were quarantined for 14 days, but many expressed criticism at the bad services offered on arrival and in the quarantine centres. Government officials blamed the EU for preventing a repatriation of Syrians because of the sanctions imposed on Syrianair.
[ 3rd March,2021, GoS ]  In Syria, 15,696 laboratory confirmed cases have been reported by the MoH to date: 7 in Ar Raqqa; 35 in Al Hasakeh; 62 in Deir Ez Zor; 261 in Quneitra; 716 in Hama; 853 in As Sweida; 945 in Dar'a; 1,177 in Tartous; 1,518 in Rural Damascus; 2,267 in Homs; 2,305 in Aleppo; 2,409 in Lattakia; and 3,141 in Damascus. Since the last report, 1,648 new cases have been announced. The MoH also announced 1,008 fatalities, an increase of 137, in addition to 9,961 recoveries.
According to the WHO, the organization has provided Syria with “enzyme kits  ( 31,240 reactions ) , extraction kits  ( 27,250 reactions ) , screening kits  ( 57,792 reactions )  and confirmatory testing kits ( 1,920 tests ) , 52,000 swabs and viral transport medium for sample collection, and five polymerase chain reaction  ( PCR )  machine.
Locals and health workers report similar difficulties sourcing medical and protection equipment. Despite the 2.5 million pieces of PPE reportedly provided to Syria by the WHO, sources report families having to purchase equipment for medical workers.
On April 27, the Central Bank of Syria asked private sector banks not to distribute dividends in cash although it said they can give out stocks instead. CBS wants to mitigate any negative impact of the pandemic on the cash position of the banks, which have also started to gradually reopen. Syria International Islamic Bank, which had recommended distributing SYP 3 billion of its profits to its shareholders, backtracked in line with the Central Bank's decision.
[ 3rd March,2021, NES ]  Commercial movements are being increasingly facilitated in both directions in Fishkabour/Semalka informal border crossing to Iraq. All border crossing points remain closed, with humanitarian personnel and medical cases reportedly exempt.
[ 26 March, 2021, NWS ]  Field facilitators observed that average water consumption stands at 26 litres per day, however, 78 percent lack enough water storage capacity for at least one day; 18 percent of the assessed sites had no chlorination.
Unaffordability remained a key barrier to accessing sufficient food, with the price of the Survival Minumum Expenditure Basket  ( SMEB )  for June calculated at 224,385 SYP.Commonly reported coping strategies included borrowing money for food or buying food with money usually used for other things
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ]  Mosques also reopened the same month, while students returned to classrooms on September 13.
Recommendations :1. GOAL's voucher values and repeat cash assistance should be set or conducted in USD in order to guarantee recipients' purchasing power, and voucher and cash values should continue to be indexed to the SMEB in USD. 2. Vendors should be paid in USD.3. When regular voucher assistance is being provided at scale to the same communities, value vouchers should be used instead of commodity vouchers. 4. Community awareness raising should be undertaken with beneficiaries, local councils, and vendors to explain why voucher values will be set in USD and when this change will take effect.