nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
[ 22 June 2021, Overall Syria ]  As June 22nd, the General Authority of Forensic Medicine recorded 80 suicides since the beginning of this year. More than half of the suicide victims hung themselves. Of the total number of suicide victims, 12 are minors, said Zaher Hajju director general of the General Authority for Forensic Medicine.
The impact on employment appears to be larger than initially expected, with ILO estimates recently being updated to an equivalent of 400 million full time jobs lost and a 14 percent reduction in global working hours. In particular, countries with a high share of people employed in the informal sector, high working poverty rates and underperforming social protection systems are at risk of increasing food insecurity  ( ILO 2020 ) .
While remittances often serve as an important informal safety net in times of hardship, they typically slow down during a global economic crisis. The World Bank estimates remittances will fall globally by 20 percent in 2020 due the economic impacts of COVID 19  ( WB 2020 ) .
The exception is that 33% of the focal points in SDF and 35% in NSAG/TBAF areas report the closure of public spaces, but it is unclear whether communities are willing or able to abide by this measure.10 The low uptake of measures may thus be linked as much to the presence of such measures as to trust in authorities or an inability to adhere to the measures due to practical barriers.
Humanitarian cases, i.e. people travelling to KRI to seek health treatment and returning to NES are to be quarantined for a period of 14 days, except for humanitarian workers if they undergo quarantine in KRI 48 hours before entering NES. These measures add to cross border movement restrictions already in place before the pandemic, with humanitarian supplies and goods allowed into NES only once a week
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  In the reporting period, UNHCR supported outreach volunteers reached 58,429 people on COVID 19 awareness raising and information through 18 partners, including through both physical visits/meetings to the most vulnerable individuals
On 16 August, the Government of Syria  ( GoS )  announced new entry requirements for individuals arriving from official border crossing points with Lebanon, including presentation of a negative PCR certificate, obtained in the past 96 hours at accredited laboratories in Lebanon. Those unable to present such a document are to be quarantined.
The smooth functioning of food value chains and the flow of agricultural products are critical to food security and nutrition. However, government measures such as import restrictions and movement limitations, necessary to contain the spread of the virus, have been disrupting entire food chains – from production to processing, packaging, transporting, marketing and consumption – as well as livestock movements, which are critical for the survival of pastoralists.
[ 13 April 2021, NES ]  After months of stagnation, the implementation of COVID 19 mitigation measures has increased, most notably in sub districts under Syrian Democratic Forces  ( SDF )  control. In SDF areas, the percentage of sub districts under which the majority of communities have imposed a total or partial curfew has increased to 69 percent  ( from none in the last reporting period )  and 11 percent imposed a community lockdown  ( up from none ) .
Many of the displaced people live in overcrowded environments, including official camps, informal camps and makeshift settlements in schools and marketplaces. Tens of thousands more are living in the homes of local residents.
Moreover, funerals of people deceased due to COVID 19 will be halted and social distancing measures will be imposed during large gatherings, such as weddings, consolation tents and places of worship. These measures were to exclude students sitting exams in GoS controlled areas. It is worth noting in this context that on 9 July, the Water Department of Al Hasakeh city administration declared a state of emergency due to insufficient water provision from Alouk water station
In addition, precautionary measures are not being applied uniformly throughout northeast Syria, nor is much of its population adhering to these measures, further exacerbating the spread of COVID 19.
For education, here has been a gradual re opening of schools and learning centers in both NWS and NES. In GoS areas, basic  ( 9th )  and high school  ( 12th )  exams started in June in GoS areas for 500,000 students, including around 3,000 students who travelled cross line and from Lebanon to sit their exams.
Humanitarian personnel, students and medical cases are reportedly exempt. While earlier reports indicated mandatory quarantine periods for humanitarian personnel, subsequent reports indicate this is no longer the case or not applied in practice.
The within Syria nutrition response has also been severely hit by the pandemic, with over one million beneficiaries affected by the recent suspension and/or minimization of nutrition services and programs following the introduction of COVID 19 mitigation measures by GoS, mainly affecting mobile nutrition teams  ( who lack PPE ) ; the provision of community based services, such as blanket distributions, door to door screening, and IYCF counselling  ( given concerns around overcrowding ) .
Toronto, Canada Yesterday, the area of northern Syria lost its first doctor to COVID 19. Dr. Adnan Jasem was working in Al Bab Hospital where he contracted the virus. Dr. Jasem, 58, was on a ventilator, as he lost his battle with the coronavirus.
Most land borders into Syria remain closed, with some limited exemptions  ( from Jordan, Iraq, Turkey and Lebanon ) , including commercial and relief shipments, and movement of personnel from humanitarian and international organizations. Borders with Lebanon and Jordan remain closed to civilians; humanitarian workers have been able to move between Lebanon and Syria.
Between 23 August and 1 September, an additional 663 Syrian nationals were repatriated from Qatar  ( 150 ) , Cairo  ( 250 )  and Sharjah  ( 263 ) ; to date, approximately 3,874 nationals have been repatriated from abroad on flights to Damascus and Lattakia airports. In recent weeks, a reported 2,000 Syrian nationals residing in Lebanon have also reportedly returned through land crossings, mainly Maasna border point.
International flights remain limited, while Damascus, Aleppo and Qamishli airports are still operating domestic and cargo flights. The border with Jordan remains completely closed. Access to Rukban from within Syria remains under discussion with the various parties while individual departures are being catered to, notably emergency medical cases. There are still no qualified medical personnel inside the camp and only a few commercial trucks recently managed to reach the camp  ( five trucks in May ) .
21 of these collective shelters that do not have significant water storage capacity are in Afrin  ( 19 ) , while 14 are in Afrin. 9 collective shelters in Afrin reported that they did not have access to potable water at the collective shelter site impacting a total of 3,796 IDPs. These collective shelters comprise 4 unfinished or residential buildings, 2 factories, 1 office, 1 school, and a wedding hall
In north west Syria  ( NWS ) , individual crossings to and from Turkey remain restricted while humanitarian and commercial deliveries are authorized. UN cross border shipments continue and have in fact increased since early March while commercial trucks  ( used by most NGOs )  were partially impacted. Humanitarian and commercial shipments, and NGO staff movements, continue from Turkey to Syria. Restrictions at the two crossing points of Deir Ballut and Ghazzawiyeh linking Idleb and north Aleppo areas, continue, however creating a limited impact on humanitarian shipments and crossings of staff.
While the majority of collective shelters assessed are hosting the IDPs for free, 18 collective shelters require IDPs to pay the rent, and 3 collective shelters are occupied by IDPs squatting for free without the permission of the building owner. Rental arrangements impact a total of 173 households. Of these households, only 24% of households are able to pay rent, while 40% are able to partially cover rent, and 36% of these households are unable to pay rent. Of those paying rent to stay in the collective shelter, the average price of rent ranged anywhere from 15,000 to 100,000 Syrian Pounds
Following the announcement of confirmed COVID 19 cases, many health facilities in northwest Syria reinforced several restrictions on service provision as precautionary measures against COVID 19. This has reportedly curtailed women and girls' access to critical medical services, including deliveries in some incidences
The collective shelters at risk of eviction house 130 pregnant or lactating women, 53 males with disabilities, 51 females with disabilities, 557 members of female headed households, and 45 people over 60 years old  ( 27 are elderly females ) .
[ 13 January 2021, Syria ]  Unfortunately, benefits from increased exports are unfeasible in many parts of the country, as export markets are severely limited due to negative effects of conflict  ( a lack of trade routes or viable trade partners ) , trade sanctions and irregular profit margins  ( as a result of fuel and other shortages in Syrian government held areas ) .
This reporting period has continued to be characterized by persistence of child protection concerns in northwest Syria, aggravated by COVID 19 pandemic and the devaluation of the Syrian Pound and its impact on the local economy. The impact of the devaluation exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation for children in northwest Syria that is resulting in a steep increase in occurrence of child labour including worst forms of child labour. Reports from the field in this period confirm increase of child labour and child marriage including an increase on numbers of children in the street until very late at night begging or hoping for casual labour.
Health partners have made significant efforts to scale up capacities and to provide health staff with the required knowledge and equipment to prepare and respond to severe cases. Surveillance and testing capacity remain key bottlenecks in the response. Testing will need to be further increased to ensure cases can be detected in a timely manner and at scale
Increasing capacity of rapid response teams and for sample collection also remain priorities to improve case detection. More than 3,600 humanitarian personnel, particularly health care workers, have been trained in infection, prevention and control, and 1,180 health care workers have been trained in case management. Twenty four  ( out of 54 planned )  isolation centers have been set up at governorate level, equipped with life saving essentials.
However, on 22 June a repatriation flight brought 250 Syrian students who had been reportedly stranded in India to Damascus. Another repatriation flight for 250 Syrian nationals from India also arrived on 2 July. Up to 1,200 Syrian students are understood to still require repatriation in total.
A number of traders are reported to be experiencing a notable drop in stock levels, with some commodities not available, including vegetable oil and sugar, due to wholesalers waiting for the stability of the informal exchange rate. Shortages of other essential commodities, such as medicine, have also been reported in recent weeks
In NES local authorities continue to provide exemptions for humanitarian goods and personnel at the Fishkabour/Semalka informal border crossing. All border crossing points, most recently closed on 13 July as a precautionary measure against COVID 19, remain closed.
COVID 19 mitigation measures have added to the consistent macroeconomic decline of recent years, further spurred by the regional financial crisis in Lebanon. The latter has contributed to a significant depreciation of the Syrian pound  ( SYP ) , which reached its lowest informal exchange rate against the US Dollar in early June  ( SYP 3,200 to US$ 1 ) . As a result, prices of essential goods and services have surged, further impacting a population already struggling to make ends meet.
[ 9th Dec 2020, Overall Syria ]  It has become urgent to repatriate women and children from Northeast Syria camps as COVID 19 is rapidly spreading in Syria.
The increased risk and rise of malnutrition, especially among IDPs, requires much more focus on food insecure households with pregnant women and children under the age of 59 months, young mothers, households with low purchasing power, and support on appropriate diets to help fight the risks of COVID 19 along with a scale up in treatment for acute malnutrition of pregnant and lactating women  ( PLW )  and children 0 59 months.
According to the World Food Programme  ( WFP ) , the price of an average food basket in early June stood at SYP 76,327, approximately 35 per cent higher when compared to the previous month – and over 200 per cent higher when compared to the same period in 2019. All 14 governorates reported average food basket price increases. Locally produced and procured relief items, notably WASH, sanitation supplies, and medicines, have also been affected by these price hikes, increasing humanitarian response costs and affecting the implementation of key humanitarian activities.
[ 9th Dec 2020 ]  On August 6, 2020, the first cases of COVID 19 were reported in al Hol camp. In response, camp administrators imposed a lockdown and closed markets and mosques to control the spread of the virus.
COVID 19 related restrictions and lockdowns have spurred the further loss of job opportunities, particularly for those reliant on daily wage labor or seasonal work, increasing the likelihood of more people being pushed into food insecurity in the coming months.
[ Jan Sep 2020, al Hol camp  ]  Between January and September 2019, 409 children died within al Hol camp and, more recently, eight children  ( under age five )  died in the camp between August 6 10, 2020. Médecins Sans Frontières identified 1,900 people across the camp who will be particularly vulnerable to COVID 19
Many low income countries depend on agriculture for much of their export earnings. A high portion of export earnings from agriculture and possibly from very few commodities within agriculture means that these countries are particularly exposed to shocks that may emanate from global agricultural markets. Some Latin American countries are particularly exposed to such shocks.
• Members of the GBV Sub Cluster continue providing GBV services both through static facilities and online which is creating a number of different entry points for disclosure of GBV and receipt of services. Even with the restrictions in place, it is important to ensure that GBV services are available and funded as per donor advocacy note brief on critical GBV services during COVID 19.
It shows that many small countries in general, and SIDS in particular, would be highly exposed to disruptions in imports. In addition to their food import dependency, they are exposed to a demand shock emanating from a slump or complete lack of tourism, which will weigh on their export earnings. While tourism may account for much of the food import needs, the lack of income and employment from a contraction of the tourism industry is likely to outweigh the benefits from lower import costs by a large margin.
[ Dec 2020, al Hol camp ]  COVID 19 poses additional health and security related risks for foreign women and children from al Hol and al Roj camps who are unable to be repatriated to their home countries.
[ March 7, Deir Ez Zor ]  Twenty doctors from different specialties arrived in Deir Ezzor recently to stay in hospitals, to be replaced on a monthly basis for a whole year, as part of bridging the major imbalance in the work of the governorate's hospitals that lack the specialist doctors.
43 children were referred to specialized services  ( 23 girls and 20 boys ) . Along these lines, case management including family tracing continues to be provided, while taking the necessary precautions due to COVID  19. In the month of June, a total of 2,195 new cases were registered  ( 1,000 girls and 1,195 boys ) . 79% of all new cases were identified in Idleb governorate  ( 57% in Harim, 35 in Idleb and 8% in Jisr Ash Shugur sub districts ) . On the other hand, 21% were identified in Aleppo governorate  ( 48% in A'zaz, 21% in Jabal Saman, 13% in Afrin and 9% in Jarablus sub  districts ) .
[ Dec 2020, OVerall Syria ]  In this context, it is critical to bring back foreign women and children to their home countries and adopt long term gender responsive policies on repatriation, prosecution, and rehabilitation
On April 01, the government announced that it was quarantining the town of Mnin in the suburbs of Damascus, after one of the two reported deaths came from the town.
OCHA Syria also continues to engage the Inter Sector Coordination team in Damascus to coordinate the response within Syria. WHO is holding daily meetings in Damascus and weekly Health sector coordination meetings and operational calls to monitor implementation of the COVID 19 Preparedness and Response plan. Weekly operational calls on NES are also ongoing, including on enhancing and strengthening preparedness and response efforts at points of entry.
250 IDPs living in one collective shelter shower in the toilet area, and 20 IDPs living in another collective shelter shower in a small area in the center
[ 6th Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced that 70 new coronavirus cases were registered in the country, 79 patients infected with the virus have recovered while 4 others have passed away. In a statement on Saturday evening, the Ministry said that the total number of Coronavirus cases in the country climbed to 14408 of which 8053 cases recovered and 947 passed away.
[ November 3 2020,NorthEast Syria ]  Over the last month, transmission has become prevalent across all areas of NES. In addition to continued high levels of transmission in Hassakeh and Qamislhi Districts, there have been notable increases in Malakiyeh District  ( Hassakeh ) , Raqqa District and Ain Al Arab District  ( Aleppo ) .
In NWS  ( as of 28 May ) , WHO continues to coordinate with the WASH Cluster through the RCCE group to discuss sharing data from hygiene promotion teams with the aim to compile a full map of awareness activities across clusters. Agreements are in place for the usage of stickers by WASH and FSL actors to fix on food parcels and soap bottles instead of the distribution of flyers to mitigate the risk of COVID 19 spread and transmission.
Since the publication of the COVID 19 Consolidated Plan in early May, the daily testing capacity has been raised from 70 to 3458 , well below what is occurring in neighbouring countries
In NES, there have been restrictions on cross border movements through the Fishkabour Semelka crossing since early March, and although the border remains officially closed, exemptions have been granted for international humanitarian NGO staff, allowing them to move once a week on Tuesdays. Border crossing for NGO staff in and out of NES is complicated and requires prior approvals, which is a significant change to previous procedures. The first movement back to NES on the 3rd of June allowed the NGOs to bring in 33 international staff  ( including 15 medical personnel ) , this was followed by subsequent crossings  ( 7 and 13 staff )  from KRI to NES.
WHO partners continue to provide awareness sessions, mostly individual or in small groups to distribute brochures, while wearing protective equipment. One partner trained 68 of its workers on COVID 19, and displayed IEC across 10 schools, 12 waste management points and five water trucks to display related IEC, while another displayed 4,580 posters. Still another partner trained 10 awareness workers, delivered 1,846 sessions through camp, household, and collective shelter visits in addition to those at health facility based sessions, while another partner delivered 329 sessions and trained 60 workers on COVID 19 awareness, and 60 on psychological first aid  ( PFA )  related to COVID 19.
[ March 9, GoS ]  The Council of Ministers decided to raise the price of buying wheat crops from farmers for the 2021 season to 900 Syrian pounds per kilogram  ( 800 SYP as a purchase price with a bonus of 100 SYP per kilogram )  for those who market their wheat to the centers of the Grain Corporation, so that they can draw the largest possible amount of the crop and help farmers to secure production requirements.
One partner conducted Eid related awareness activities, including with Eid barbers, which reached 150 children, as well as an educational Eid activity targeting 136 children and 80 adults.
6,650 beneficiaries received masks and IEC materials related to COVID 19  ( posters, WhatsApp videos, etc. ) ; 298 staff of partners trained on COVID 19 IPC measures;
To date, 344 rapid response team  ( RRT )  personnel in 13 governorates have received dedicated training on COVID 19 case investigation, sample collection and referral, with further trainings scheduled for June. In NES, five RRTs are active in Al Hasakeh, five in Ar Raqqa and four in Deir Ez Zor, while Menbij/Kobane is being covered from Aleppo.
In NES, awareness campaigns and trainings of partner staff, including in camps, IDP settlements and collective shelters are ongoing. In the reporting period UNICEF supported 15 focus group discussions, in addition to awareness sessions and hygiene promotion for 200 community leaders in Al Hol. Interactive and edutainment activities were also conducted for 350 children
[ Feb, 2021, NWS ]  According to data from monthly nutrition surveillance and admission into programmes for treatment of acute malnutrition, the nutrition situation continues to deteriorate across northwest Syria with a 55 percent increase in cases of severe acute malnutrition  ( SAM )  in February 2021 compared to January 2020. Chronic malnutrition  ( stunting )  which affects one third of children aged 6 59 months also increased by 5 percent during the same period.
The total number of governorates affected is now eight – Damascus, Rural Damascus, Dar'a, As Sweida, Homs, Lattakia, Hama and Quneitra, although 85 per cent of all cases have been recorded in just two governorates – Damascus  ( 53 per cent )  and Rural Damascus  ( 34 per cent ) . Based on information currently available, 92 per cent of cases are related to contact with confirmed cases and travel. 52 per cent of confirmed cases are among men and 48 per cent among women. The case fatality rate is currently 4%. To date, at least 22 health care workers have been infected with COVID 19.
PPE available on the local market is a further constraining factor, with it currently extremely difficult to source N95 masks, face shields and goggles. Currently, there is also a gap of $1.1 million for PPE
As of 12 July, local authorities have confirmed a total of six cases of COVID 19 in NES, all from the same cluster in Al Hasakeh city. Even though the number of suspected and confirmed cases is lower than initially expected, the risk of transmission remains high due to pre exiting vulnerabilities amongst internally displaced people  ( IDPs ) , overcrowded last resort sites, dense urban centres and limited health system capacity.
Since March, NES NGOs have conducted COVID 19 risk awareness/ communication activities in at least 30 sub districts out of 35 under the control of SA  ( i.e. 86 per cent of sub districts in NES )  reaching 51 communities and 20 IDP last resort sites
[ November 3 2020,NorthEast Syria ]  There are significant concerns around possible community transmission in camps, particularly in Al Hole where confirmed cases have been recorded in five separate phases indicating that it may be impossible to contain the virus through isolation and contact tracing
[ November 3 2020,NorthEast Syria ]  Under this curfew all major markets/ public facilities have been ordered to close for the duration of the ban, excluding shops selling food and restaurants  ( for takeaway orders only provided they close by 3pm in the afternoon ) ; places of worship must close except for Friday prayers and Sunday mass and; mass gatherings  ( wedding halls, condolence tents and conference meetings all specifically mentioned )  are prohibited.
A key priority is to finalize initial construction and preparation work for all COVID 19 referral facilities for moderate and severe cases to meet minimum standards. Out of the 103 intensive care unit  ( ICU )  beds for critical cases none are fully operational  ( only 1 mixed ward, also supporting non COVID cases, is available to receive patients ) , while only 309 of 975 beds planned for moderate severe cases are currently online  ( with no beds currently available in non GoS controlled areas Deir ez Zor.
The GoS continues to maintain a widespread easing of preventive measures introduced throughout May, albeit with some ongoing changes, including recent ad hoc suspension of prayers in some locations, and closures of wedding halls
Otherwise, the daily curfew remains lifted, as has the travel ban between and within governorates. Markets, restaurants, cafes, gyms, parks, theaters, cinemas and most leisure facilities remain open, with mandated precautionary measures. Mosques and churches are allowed open, so long as physical distancing is observed. Public and private transportation services have also resumed, as have universities and institutions
Most community focal points  ( 85% )  report that living conditions have worsened for their communities since the beginning of the pandemic. An overwhelming majority in SDF  ( 98% )  and GoS  ( 96% )  areas say this, but in NSAG/TBAF areas, 59% report little change in their ability to meet their needs, with only 36% noting any deterioration at all.
[ November 3 2020,NorthEast Syria ]  These include increasing the use of face coverings  ( through a combination of enforcement and increasing access to face masks ) , a night time curfew  ( to reduce social interactions and inter household mixing ) , a ban on mass gatherings and the implementation of entry controls  ( temperature screening, hand disinfection and face mask compliance )  at public buildings/ facilities
As of 27 June, of samples from patients collected in NWS four samples tested positive, while all other cases tested negative. The COVID 19 taskforce continues to coordinate the application of relevant IPC measures across NWS including Points of Entry  ( PoEs )
[ November 3 2020,NorthEast Syria ]  As of 3 November, 67% of all confirmed cases of COVID 19 in NES have been recorded in Hassakeh Governorate, with Malakiyeh/ Derik District overtaking Qamishli and Hassakeh Districts as the District with the single highest number of confirmed COVID 19 cases in NES.
[ November 3 2020,NorthEast Syria ] The number of cases in Derik has increased by 250% between the 3 October and 3 November, with a total of 1,192 confirmed COVID 19 cases.
Over the reporting period, WHO delivered 55 extraction kits  ( 1,375 reactions )  and 10 enzyme kits  ( 1,000 reactions )  to CPHL. To date, WHO has provided 44 enzyme kits  ( 4,400 reactions ) , 107 extraction kits  ( 4,375 reactions ) , 82 screening kits  ( 7,872 reactions )  and 11 confirmatory testing kits  ( 1,056 reactions ) , 14,000 swabs and viral transport medium for sample collection, and five PCR machines, in addition to 5,000 waste bags and 10,000 bags for samples, and PPE for laboratory staff.
Following WHO support for on site training of laboratory technicians from Aleppo, Homs, Lattakia and Damascus and delivery of essential supplies, on COVID 19 testing is now ongoing at the Tishreen University Hospital in Lattakia  ( with 335 samples tested as of 26 May ) , the Zahi Azraq Hospital in Aleppo  ( 63 samples ) , and at the public health laboratory in Homs  ( 185 samples ) . As detailed above, the GoS committed to establish laboratories in all 14 governorates.
[ November 3 2020,NorthEast Syria ]  Although the total number of cases in Districts outside Hassakeh remains relatively lower, October witnessed a notable increase in confirmed cases in Raqqa, Tabqa, Kobane and Menbij Districts. However, the level of testing continues to differ significantly by area. Of 5,858 samples tested between 8 October and 3 November, 3,528  ( 60% )  were from just three districts in Hassakeh  ( Hassakeh, Qamishli, Derik )
[ 13 January 2021, Syria ]  According to all the workers interviewed, the wage increase did not compensate for the lost income from currency depreciation. As a result of the lost income, many workers adopted various coping strategies, most commonly buying smaller quantities of goods, buying cheaper foods, cutting meat from their diet, borrowing money, and selling non productive assets.
The 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
At all points of entry, the Syrian MoH has stationed at least one ambulance with medical personnel. WHO has supported screening efforts by providing PPEs, infrared thermometers, guidance notes, registration forms and one thermal scanner camera. WFP, as the Logistics Cluster lead, continues to monitor ports of entry for cargo movement including operational status, capacity, new developments and restrictions.
WHO is supporting the Idleb laboratory by procuring 2000 UTM/VTM which will be used for testing samples for COVID 19 as well as for other respiratory illnesses.
Number of people confirmed by the Ministry of Health  ( MoH )  to have COVID 19: 1,677  ( 64 fatalities, 417 recovered ) . Areas of concern: Densely populated areas, notably Damascus/Rural Damascus, Aleppo and Homs, and those living in camps and informal settlements in NES, collective shelters throughout the country, as well as other areas including Deir Ez Zor, and where hostilities may be ongoing making sample collection more challenging
Partners continue to work closely with relevant authorities to enhance IPC measures across public spaces, support health facilities, and to integrate measures across humanitarian programmes. 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.
Reported figures represent a sharp increase over the past month and underline why the Syrian population continues to be considered at high risk, particularly when combined with relatively low levels of testing, recent relaxation of precautionary measures, the accelerating spread of COVID 19 in neighbouring countries, reported infections of several health workers, and the debilitated state of the health system.
With a focus on protecting health workers, WHO continues to increase PPE supplies in Syria. To date, WHO has delivered more than 1.3 million PPE items, including surgical masks, gloves, reusable heavy duty aprons, gowns, headcovers, alcohol hand rubs, medical masks, goggles and coveralls, and alcohol hand rubs.
[ September 2020, Overall Syria ]  During the first two weeks, catch up materials were used to help compensate for lost formal education time that occurred due to COVID 19 towards the end of the previous academic year.
On 11 July, the GoS announced new entry requirements to enable Syrian citizens abroad to enter through official border crossing points with Lebanon following presentation of a negative PCR certificate at the border. Tests must have been conducted within the past 18 hours at four Lebanese hospitals accredited by the MoH before completing five days home quarantine.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  WHO continues similar campaigns in Homs and Lattakia. WHO also continues technical support for the MoH COVID 19 Dynamic Infographic Dashboard for Syria
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  Training and regional outreach is also ongoing. During the reporting period, WHO supported a series of workshops training 155 school health doctors in Damascus, Aleppo, Tartous and Hama, focusing on school specific guidelines and key messages
SCPR conducted a preliminary assessment of the COVID 19 country level SDH determinants from 3 April 2020 to 6 May 2020 that adds a challenging narrative to the conventional determinants of health. The first cross country regression was conducted between the COVID 19 confirmed cases per capita as the dependent variable and potential explanatory variables.
GDP per capita is associated positively and significantly with confirmed cases per capita with the highest magnitude. Voice and accountability are positively and significantly associated with cases per capita in the first period; however, in the second period  ( till 6 May 2020 ) , it reports nonsignificant associations
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  UNICEF disseminated IEC material to partners to engage children living with disabilities in Aleppo. In AlHasakeh, Action Against Hunger  ( AAH )  continued awareness sessions on IYCF best practices in the context of COVID 19.
Furthermore, Madhav and others pointed to the progress that has been made on the international level to anticipate the consequences of future pandemics based on the lesson learned from the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome  ( SARS )  pandemic and avian influenza.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  In NES, awareness campaigns and trainings of partner staff, including in camps, IDP settlements and collective shelters continue
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  Border crossings remain impacted as Syria and neighboring countries continue implementation of precautionary measures.
The UN RC/HC and WHO Country Representative continue to engage senior officials on the COVID 19 response, including with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister and Deputy Ministers of Health, the Ministers of MoSAL, MoLAE and Ministry of Education, as well as ICRC and SARC.
• Insufficient availability of vital supplies – procurement of additional PPE funded by Syria Cross Border Humanitarian Fund.
[ 17th September, Overall Syria  ]  In NES local authorities continue to provide exemptions for humanitarian goods and personnel at the Fishkabour/Semalka informal border crossing, and in other limited cases, including urgent medical cases to cross to Iraq
• WHO supplies were delivered for COVID 19 response; severe difficulties remain to procure medical supplies. • The SSG agreed to support a more consistent approach to the COVID 19 response across camps  ( e.g. quarantine and isolations measures ) , involving cross line and cross border actors.
Humanitarian personnel, students and medical cases are reported to be exempt but subject to a 14 day quarantine on arrival. It was further reported that humanitarian personnel with a quarantine certificate issued in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq  ( KRI )  do not have to undergo quarantine upon entering NES, if entry is within 48 hours of leaving quarantine in KRI.
Northeast Syria has the lowest testing rate of any other part of Syria 404 tests per million people as of August 25 and the highest rate of positive results relative to tests performed. Around 30 percent of tests conducted thus far have been positive, as per an update by the NES COVID Forum on August 27. According to the WHO, a positive ratio greater than five percent indicates severe under testing in a population.
In NES, on 28 August, citing the economic and social reasons, local authorities largely lifted general preventive measures imposed on 23 July, allowing shops/services and local authority departments to reopen, and movement between towns, cities and districts. However, social gatherings including weddings and funerals are still banned, and places of worship and public places remain closed
Still, despite movement restrictions in place in Hasakah province, there is still movement into the province from regime held territory, where the COVID 19 situation is most dangerous.
The Qamishli airport is still under regime control and has continued to operate flights to and from Damascus throughout the COVID 19 crisis, creating another method of contagion.
The local authorities have further indicated that from 18 August, face coverings in public spaces will be mandatory across all areas of NES. On 29 August, local authorities issued a directive announcing that the 2020  2021 school year would be postponed until 4 October 2020 as a COVID 19 preventive measure.
[ 2nd November 2020, Overall Syria ] Health Ministry announced on Monday that 54 new coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, adding that 40 patients have recovered while 3 others have passed away.
To support the MoH's plans to establish quarantine and isolation for treatment centres in all governorates, WHO completed inter sectoral mapping in coordination with departments of health.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  According to WFP VAM data, the price of an average food basket  ( a group of basic goods providing 1,930kcal per day for a family of five for a month )  in July was 3 per cent higher than June; an overall easing of the rapid price rises recorded in the preceding months
To date, the Syrian MoH has reported 123 people with COVID 19 across Syria, including one case in Dar'a Governorate, 80 in Damascus, 34 in Rural Damascus, two cases in As Sweida'a Governorate, five cases in Homs Governorate, and one case in Lattakia Governorate. The first positive case was announced on 22 March, with the first fatality reported on 29 March. Of the cases announced to date, 84 cases were imported, including Syrian nationals recently repatriated from Kuwait  ( 47 ) , the United Arab Emirates  ( UAE )   ( 11 ) , Sudan  ( 11 ) , and Russia  ( 5 ) . Of the six fatalities in Government of Syria  ( GoS )  controlled areas, five were in Damascus and one in Rural Damascus. To date, the Syrian MoH has announced 53 recoveries.
Prior to the COVID 19 crisis, an estimated 80 per cent of people in Syria already lived below the poverty line. According to estimates, 9.3 million people in Syria are now considered food insecure. With the loss of job opportunities due to the impacts of COVID 19, particularly for those reliant on daily wage labour or seasonal work and the continued rise in food prices, it is likely more have been pushed into food insecurity
In June, the general relaxation of several COVID 19 preventative measures has continued across the country . The daily curfew has been lifted, as has the travel ban between and within governorates – while localized lock downs have been imposed in two areas in rural Damascus in response to clusters of cases.
Reports indicate that even households with regular income are being adversely affected as the cost of living has spiraled. For example, WFP's national average reference food basket  ( a group of basic goods providing 1,930kcal per day for a family of five for a month ) , cost on average SYP 86,571 during July, exceeding the highest paid official government monthly salary of SYP 80,240. In October 2019, WFP's national average reference food basket was SYP 25,424.
The majority of collective shelters  ( 73 )  reported that showers were not connected to water pipes. 21 of the collective shelters reporting extremely poor bathing facilities are in Afrin, while 16 are in Salqin, and 16 are in Dana.
In early June, MoSAL reported one time payments of SYP 100,000 had been disbursed to 5,000 people; and later, on 24 June, announced a second tranche of payments to 18,731 people would occur on an unspecified date.
[ September Syria ]  The emerging shortage of bread in bakeries seen in September particularly affected southern Syria, especially in Dar'a, Rural Damascus and Damascus governorates, due to wheat flour shortages and electricity cuts, exacerbated by the ongoing fuel shortages. In Dar'a, a shortage of wheat flour caused many bakeries to shut down or to operate at only 50 percent capacity. In Rural Damascus governorate, people reportedly queued for up to four hours to receive bread from public bakeries.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  In recognition of the likelihood of far reaching socio economic impacts, the UN Country Team  ( UNCT )  has from an early stage worked with UN agencies and humanitarian partners to ensure ongoing provision of life saving assistance  ( including through adjusted modalities to reduce risks to beneficiaries and staff )  while seeking to identify and support initiatives to bolster social and economic resilience
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ] However, at the same time, other humanitarian programs have resumed with implementation of measures to ensure safety of staff and beneficiaries
[ September NorthWest Syria ] The security situation in north western Syria deteriorated significantly in September. Heavy airstrikes were reported across the frontlines of southern Idlib governorate over the course of the month with reportedly the highest frequency of airstrikes since the 06 March Turkish Russian ceasefire agreement.
As reported previously, even as restrictions have eased, in particular some Health and Nutrition sector partner activities continue to be impacted by preventive measures. Protection partners have also reported challenges in implementing alternative modalities, such as remote case management, due to limited internet connectivity and poor mobile phone coverage in some areas.
UNFPA also continues to provide maternal and neonatal health services and GBV prevention and response services, with 285,673 people receiving reproductive health, awareness raising, and MHPSS since March. In addition, UNICEF and Action Against Hunger  ( AAH )  both report resumption of nutrition programmes, including home visits.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ] WHO is the lead agency and is working to support the MoH in enhancing health preparedness and response to COVID 19, in accordance with the International Health Regulations  ( IHR 2005 ) .
If the post emergency standard of 20 litres of potable water available per person per day is considered; however, 27 collective shelters would fall below this standard.
However, at the same time, other humanitarian programs have resumed with implementation of measures to ensure safety of staff and beneficiaries. In July, the Health sector reported supporting 943,733 medical procedures and 1,201,475 treatment courses. UNRWA has resumed many health services in recent weeks, although is continuing telemedicine support as an alternative, with more than 16,500 calls received since the service was activated.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ] The current key priorities in Syria is  Enhancing surveillance capacity including active surveillance, with a critical need to expand national and subnational laboratory capacity to test for timely detection
[ September Overall Syria ]  Severe fuel shortages were reported across Syria in September, impacting commercial activities and increasing transportation costs. Wheat flour shortages were also reported, leading to a shortage of bread in bakeries in several areas across the country  ( particularly affecting southern Syria, especially Dar'a, Rural Damascus and Damascus governorates )  in September
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ] In addition, sectors, including WASH, Health, Logistics, Protection, Nutrition, Food Security, Shelter and NFIs continue to undertake national and sub national level meetings to support coordinated response planning, as well as coordinating with authorities.
[ September Overall Syria ]  The number of confirmed COVID 19 cases in Syria increased by 55 percent in September. As of 30 September, 4,200 cases of COVID 19 had been confirmed in Syria, with 200 related deaths.
[ 17th September , Overall Syria ] During the reporting period, the UN RC/HC led a mission to Qamishli, visiting Al Hol and Al Roj camps, including the COVID 19 Treatment Facility in the former, and meeting with the Governor of Al Hasakeh, SARC and ICRC to discuss several key issues, including how to ensure the continued functionality of Alouk water station.
[ September Overall Syria ]  As a result of the growing insecurity, sporadic population displacement was reported on several occasions from the areas of the southern Idlib governorate front lines.
As previously reported, according to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor  ( MoSAL ) , more than 320,000 people registered for the National Campaign for Emergency Social Response for assistance due to work lost as a result of COVID 19 preventive measures. Of these, 91 per cent are daily labourers, 10.9 per cent are older persons, and 8 per cent are people with disabilities.
[ 8th Oct 2020, Syria ]  So for, during the conflict, over 40% of Syria's healthcare facilities have been destroyed or damaged
Nevertheless, as the economic situation has worsened, some humanitarian partners report that the volatility of the informal exchange rate had forced temporary suspension of local procurement. Some partners also report that redesign of budgets due to the exchange rate and inflation was being considered, and programme delivery would likely be delayed.
As the Syria crisis enters its 10th year, the situation is especially dire for women and girls, with the effects of COVID 19 compounding the risks and hardships for millions of people inside the country and for refugees around the region.
[ 8th Oct 2020, Syria ]  We are hearing reports of some hospitals inside Syria closing their door to suspected COVID cases to protect other patients, people being unable to afford a COVID test and others fearing of the consequences of going to official healthcare facilities.
Al Bukamal Al Quaem crossing is reported to be still closed from the Syrian side, and Ras al Ain border crossing also remains closed except in limited circumstances. Tabqa crossing point is reported as currently open to commercial and humanitarian cargo, and medical cases and students are also reported allowed to cross with a 14 day quarantine on arrival.
Residents said their neighbors and relatives were falling ill or dying after exhibiting symptoms consistent with Covid 19, including high fever and severe respiratory distress. They said that their relatives who had attempted to go to a hospital or clinic were turned away for lack of capacity.
Those interviewed said that shortages of adequate protective equipment and restricted access to oxygen tanks are most likely contributing to deaths among Syria's health workers and the wider population. Health workers said that testing, oxygen, and basic medical care are available only to those who can afford it, violating the fundamental right to equal and affordable access to health.
On August 16, a list of 61 health workers who died in the period since Covid 19 was first detected in Syria was circulated on social media. Human Rights Watch was able to verify the deaths of 33 doctors on these lists by collecting obituaries posted by the Damascus Medical Association, all of which indicated that they died while responding to Covid 19.
The official total numbers of deaths from Covid 19 for the entire population at the time was 64.
It is to be noted that several response indicators reported against by sectors relate to pre existing HRP programming which had to be readjusted to address secondary and tertiary effects of COVID 19.
Of those who need humanitarian aid, half are women and girls. Syrian women have higher rates of poverty than men; they face increased risk of gender based violence; and they shoulder the responsibility of caring for their children and other family members. The rapid spread of COVID 19 is further increasing the risks faced by women.
As of August 21, WHO has provided the Syrian government with4.4 millionitems of PPE, including medical and respirator masks, gloves, gowns, shoe covers, and alcohol hand rubs. However, doctors and nurses operating in government held areas said that there are severe shortages of supplies, particularly in rural areas.
The government announced a positive case in Daraa, the first positive case outside Damascus and the Damascus Countryside governorates since the pandemic began to spread in the country. The announcement came alongside the launch of an online platform providing instant updates about the virus across the country.
Human Rights Watch has previously documented the authorities obstructing humanitarian aid, including through restrictions on access, discriminatory distribution, and insistence on problematic partnerships.