nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
[  NES, JAn 12 ]  Al Hole camp: Cases: No new cases confirmed as of 12 January . Update: Camp management increased the temperature screening points by adding screenings at the gates and reception area specifically for the departure trips. The health focal points and the RCCE focal points are finalizing a joint analysis of the rapid RCCE assessment that was conducted in September 2020.
[ Jan 27th 2021 ]  As of January 25, the number of cases in the region controlled by the Syrian opposition and Hayat Tahrir al Sham  ( HTS )  reached 20,939, including 380 deaths, according to the Idlib Health Directorate, exceeding the total registered cases in areas controlled by the Assad regime and the Kurdish dominated Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria  ( AA ) .
[  GoS ]  Syria's latest bread crisis started in September, worryingly close to the end of the harvest season, indicating a significant shortage at a time of year when wheat should still be plentiful. In contrast, the previous bread crisis, the first of its kind in areas under regime control, started in March 2020, shortly before the start of the June harvest, when stocks of wheat are expected to be relatively depleted.
[ Jan 27th 2021, NWS ]  There are no statistics about the amount of pandemic related medical waste in northwest Syria “due to the discrepancy in the number of people infected daily and the number of those quarantined in  [ medical ]  centers and being treated in the hospitals,' Hussam Kara Muhammad, the doctor responsible for the Idlib Health Directorate's COVID 19 response, told Syria Direct.
[ Jan 27th 2021, NWS ]  But while attention in the northwest   which hosts some four million people, half of whom are internally displaced persons  ( IDPs )    is focused on the number of people infected with the virus and the region's capacity to deal with the outbreak, other related issues go unnoticed. This includes disposing of the medical waste produced by isolation centers and health facilities receiving COVID 19 patients, as well as the belongings of the infected and those who have died due to the pandemic.
( Syria 17/02/2021 )  most of governorates were reached with at least 50% or above except for Tartous and Lattakia. However, there was some overlap observed in the sector response in Quneitra in 2020.
[ Dec 2020, NWS ]  However, WHO and UNICEF noted the delivery of a fully subsidized vaccine for an estimated 20% of the population  ( including 3% for frontline workers )  is not expected to start before the second quarter of 2021, Syria is one of the 92 Advance Market Commitment  ( AMC )  countries participating in COVAX Facility with Official Development Assistance  ( ODA ) . The Gavi COVAX AMC is an innovative financial mechanism which support the poorest countries to get access to COVID 19 vaccines.
[ November 2020, North west Syria ]  In November, 54 new sites were added to the ISIMM  ( IDP Sites Integrated Monitoring Matrix )  and 12 sites were inactivated for reasons such as depopulation of sites and their subsequent closure.
[ November 2020, North west Syria ]  In November, 7 families had their tents destroyed in 5 fire and weather related incidents. Some of the reasons behind the high number of incidents recorded in the past few months relate to an increased reporting capacity of Cluster member, but also overcrowding in IDPs sites, lack of awareness of risks, bad use of gas and electric cooking or heating equipment.
[ 26 January 2021, NWS ]  Increased vulnerabilities observed among displaced communities due to displacement, the economic downturn and COVID 19 restrictions are likely to be exacerbated in the case of a new mass displacement. Both the newly displaced populations and the people in protracted situations continue to have unmet humanitarian needs, with funding shortages are likely to further deepen the impact of ongoing issues amongst the vulnerable population. GBV specialized services have remained unavailable in many communities in northwest Syria and additional resources are needed to support GBV prevention and response with a focus on vulnerable groups
[ 26 January 2021, NWS ]  Due to the increased cases of COVID 19 and schools not being able to operate fully, the demand for distance and blended learning is higher than ever. The latest survey conducted by the Education Cluster in November 2020 revealed that as more schools open, the needs for sterilisation items and for personal protective equipment  ( PPE )  have increased and is one of the most important needs.
[ 26 January 2021, NWS ]  The critical economic situation, the negative impacts of COVID 19  ( especially for those households amongst host communities and IDPs with limited to no income )  are the main drivers compounding food insecurities for most people in northwest Syria.
[ December 2020, Syria ]  Food prices in Syria continue to soar in December, increasing by 13 percent from November. Food prices have increased by 236 percent year on year and are now 29 times higher than the five year pre crisis average.
[ Dec 2020, NWS ]  A connected issue is the lack or loss of civil documentation, which also hinders access to jobs as well as humanitarian assistance.
[ Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  Tartous reported the highest daily wage rate at SYP 7,750/day  ( up four percent m o m ) , while Deir ez Zor reported the lowest daily wage rate at SYP 3,000/day  ( up two percent m o m ) . Broken down by regions, the coastal region reported the highest wage rate of SYP 7,500/day  ( up three percent m o m ) , followed by the crossborder region at SYP 6,265/day  ( up six percent m o m ) . On the other hand, northwest Syria reported the lowest wage rate of SYP 3,375/day  ( up two percent m o m ) , followed by northeast Syria at SYP 4,381/day  ( up one percent ) .
[ 26 January 2021, NWS ]  Planning is also underway for COVID 19 vaccinations, with preliminary discussions focused on vaccinating some 20 percent of the northwest Syria population through the COVID 19 Vaccines Global Access Facility  ( COVAX ) . This equates to some 850,000 people, and will prioritise frontline healthcare workers and humanitarian workers, people aged above 60, and people aged 20 59 with comorbidities.
[ Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  Northeast Syria reported the highest terms of trade of sheep and wheat flour at 360 kg/ sheep  ( down two percent m o m ) , followed by the crossborder region at 330 kg/sheep  ( down four percent m o m ) . On the other hand, northwest Syria reported the lowest ToT at 248 kg/sheep  ( unchanged m o m ) , followed by the middle region at 291 kg/sheep  ( up three percent m o m ) .
[ 26 January 2021, NWS ]  Significant funding gaps have been noted by the WASH, Health, and Protection Clusters, with several programs closing down or at imminent risk of doing so. In particular, millions of people may go without adequate water and sanitation services, several COVID 19 treatment centres and facilities that treat gender based violence are at risk of closing. Urgent funding is needed to maintain existing programming.
[ 26 January 2021, NWS ]  In the context of COVID 19, only 4 percent of these sites were fully using remote learning, compared to 44 percent that were partially using remote learning, and 52 percent that were not using it. The main limitations for children learning from home in camps included caregivers being overburdened with other demands, inhibiting their ability to help their children learn at home, as well as caregivers lacking confidence to help their children learn and insufficient literacy/numeracy of caregivers. Furthermore, primary schools were unavailable in 70 percent of sites, while secondary schools were unavailable in 86 percent of sites.
[ 26 January 2021, NWS ]  The effects of the economic downturn and COVID 19 restrictions have further aggravated the already dire livelihood opportunities in northwest Syria. According to a December report by a UN partner, livelihoods and basic services were reported to be the highest priority needs for every population group. The risk of further reduction of purchasing power points to the urgent need for scaling up access to livelihood opportunities for people in need, particularly through creation of emergency short term employment, cash assistance and support to businesses.
[ 26 January 2021, NWS ]  An estimated 2,000 people in need were inaccessible by partners due to COVID 19 mobility restrictions. Similarly, the increasing COVID 19 cases among children aged 6 59 months and women of reproductive age necessitates increased coordination with partners managing CCTCs to provide them with nutrition support.
[ Jan 27 2021 ]  In Damascus: the selling rate is 3,010 SYP and the buying rate is 2,975 SYP against the dollar, while 3,651 SYP for selling and 3,604 SYP for buying against the euro.
[ August  October 2020, Northwest Syria ]  Sources from which they receive most of their information about COVID 19;  97% from Social media messaging and 15% from Television.
[ 26 January 2021, NWS ]  Some 10.5 percent of all COVID 19 cases are in IDP camps. In the last month, case numbers in the northwest increased by over seven percent, compared to a 47 percent increase in the previous reporting period. However, anecdotal information suggests that COVID 19 remains widespread despite the reduced rate of confirmed cases and that people are wary of seeking testing and treatment due to reasons including stigma and concerns about the loss of livelihoods.
[ 26 January 2021, NWS ]  Over the same period, and despite the reduction in new cases, the number of deaths associated with COVID 19 increased by some 46 percent, to 380 COVID 19 associated deaths – 50 percent of which were in just two districts: Harim and Idleb. The percentage of current cases among medical healthcare workers decreased to 7.4 percent, encompassing nurses, doctors and midwives, while a further 5.4 percent were auxiliary workers in the health sector.
[ November 2020, North west Syria ]  Dynamics around housing, land, and property rights remain of concern, with local authorities reportedly increasingly expropriating property from absent landowners who are known to be out of Syria or in territories under the control of the Government of Syria. Forced evictions of displaced persons from residential, commercial and public properties such as schools are being increasingly reported, suggesting a concerning upward trend
[ Jan 27 2021 ]  On the other hand, the price of one gram of 21 carat gold has reached 152,000 SYP per gram in Damascus.
[ Jan 27 2021 ]  In Idlib and Aleppo countryside: 409 SYP for selling and 402 SYP for buying against Turkish lira.
[ 28 January 2021, Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Thursday that 62 new coronavirus cases were registered in the country, and that 69 patients infected with the virus have recovered while 6 others have passed away.
[ Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  The national average retail price of fresh eggs increased by 14 percent m o m reaching SYP 5,959/carton. The national average price also increased by 111 percent since July 2020  ( six months ago )  and by 278 percent since January 2020. Homs and Hama recorded the highest eggs price at SYP 6,361/carton  ( up 19 and 20 percent m o m, respectively ) , while Idleb recorded the lowest price of SYP 5,312/carton  ( down seven percent m o m ) .
[ 28 January 2021, Syria ]  The Ministry said, in a statement, that the total number of Coronavirus cases in the country climbed to 13885 of which 7329 cases recovered and 906 passed away.
On January 24, SOHR sources reported that the Syrian regime's “Central Bank of Syria' issued a new 5,000 Syrian Lira banknote to go into circulation in markets, as the Syrian regime was struggling with a stifling economic crisis in the wake of the US and European sanctions. It is worth noting that the “Central Bank' had printed the 5,000 SYL banknote two years ago in order to meet the expectations of the actual circulation needs of banknote.
[ March 2021, NSAG and TBAF ]  Out of total Population  ( 4,429,062 ) , the population at high COVID risk are 3,045,610.
[ January, Syria ]  In light of the suffocating economic crisis that the Syrian regime is suffering from, as a result of the US and European sanctions, the Central Bank of Syria, affiliated with the Syrian regime, announced the launch of new five thousand Syrian Pounds banknotes to be circulated in the markets, as the bank printed two years ago five thousand Syrian Pounds notes to “meet the expectations of the actual needs of banknotes,' The bank justified the printing step to “facilitate cash transactions, reduce their costs and contribute to facing the effects of inflation that occurred during the past years, in addition to reducing the intensity of dealing in banknotes, due to the high prices and the gradual elimination of Damaged banknotes, 'according to the Central Bank, while the matter met a state of discontent and ridicule from Syrians.
[ 28th Jan 2021, North Syria ]  With only 9 hospitals operationalized for COVID 19, 212 ICU beds and 162 ventilators in North West Syria for a population of four million, the overwhelmed health sector is unable to cope with the rise in cases, leading families to desperate measures to survive.
[ December 12, NES ]  Fresh vegetables and fruits After the sharp rise in the prices of fresh vegetables and fruits two weeks ago, the prices increased slightly by 1%. This increase is due to the import of most vegetables and fruits from outside northeastern Syria. 36% of sellers cited increasing dollar exchange as the main challenge, and 16% cited off Sellers that rising transportation costs have directly affected prices.
[ December 12, NES ]  Meat and chicken Meat prices decreased slightly, by 1% last week. As mentioned earlier, meat prices are not expected to remain high as people cannot afford meat due to the loss of purchasing power. However, 45% of the sellers cited the volatility of the Syrian Pound as the main challenge they faced.
[ 4th Feb 2021, Idleb NWS ]  The monthly salary of a teacher in Idleb, paid by the Education Directorate, was around 120 dollars, on a fixed eight month contract. Despite the rising prices that require constant income to secure the needs of the families of teachers in the region, teachers never stopped teaching, knowing that they have not been paid for two years.
[ December 12, NES ]  Food The results of the joint rapid market assessment showed that food prices were stable last week, compared to the sharp rise two weeks ago. Despite the slight increase in the dollar value, food prices decreased by 2%. After the end of the complete closure, foodstuffs became available once in all markets, which prevented exploitation and the rise in prices. 40% of sellers cited the volatility of the dollar exchange rate as their main challenge while 19% cited transportation costs.
[ August  October 2020, Northwest Syria ]  Survey respondents' views on whether all people with COVID 19 show symptoms: 52% responded that Yes, all show symptoms whereas 3% didn't know.
[ December 12, NES ]  Fuel Fuel prices increased by 13%. This was evident in the prices of diesel and refined petrol locally, with the difference in these prices according to the location. Prices of high quality gasoline decreased by 1% as they were pegged to $ 62.0 per liter, while diesel prices remained unchanged despite high demand due to winter needs and its use in the agricultural sector It is controlled and regulated by the self management. 24% of sellers reported lack of fuel sources and 23% of sellers cited the dollar exchange rate as major challenges, and 18% cited transportation costs and supply problems.
[ August  October 2020, Northwest Syria ]  Symptoms most commonly reported by respondents as related to COVID 19: 94% said Fever, 78% said Cough, also 2% of the responded mentioned rashes.
[ 28th Jan 2021, North Syria ] The now closed Bab al Salam crossing had facilitated desperately needed humanitarian assistance including food, shelter and medical supplies such as vaccines and PPE for hundreds of thousands of displaced people in North West Syria, the majority of whom are women and children
[ 16th March, 2021, Northern Syria ]  Dealing with the Coronavirus was easier during the summer, as people were able to practice social distancing by spending time outside. However, the freezing Syrian winter makes social distancing much more difficult, and with up to 10 people living in each tent, the virus can spread much faster.
[ 28th Jan 2021, North Syria ] In the North East COVID 19 cases have also reached highs of 8,227 as of January 12th*. These numbers are thought to be a vast underestimate due to extremely limited case detection and testing capacity across the country, particularly in the North East.
[ 28th Jan 2021, North Syria ] Aid going through this last remaining crossing, Bab al Hawa, has never been more important but is under immense pressure. Violence and insecurity have previously forced the crossing to close, and ongoing conflict risks delaying the delivery of aid to vulnerable populations. There are fears adverse weather conditions or insecurity may at any time cut off the only remaining road to reach hundreds of thousands of displaced people previously supported through the now closed Bab al Salam crossing
[ 5 March, 2021, Overall Syria ]  Underreporting, limited testing capacity, a lack of access to healthcare, and misinformation and stigmas associated with the virus all contribute to the ongoing discrepancy in case data. Local health systems lack the capacity to effectively treat cases as 70% of health workers have fled the country and there is a dire lack of personal protective equipment, medical oxygen, ventilators, and other key equipment across the country.
[ August  October 2020, Northwest Syria ]  In case of contracting COVID 19, responses from respondents as to what they would do: 55% said Go to hospital, 45% said Stay at home and isolate oneself from others whereas 1% also said Do nothing/continue life as normal.
[ 2020, Overall Syria ]  During this same period, the North West of Syria experienced several episodes of bombardment and intense fighting; since then, although military operations have been less marked, the 4.2 million people living in this area have suffered from continuous difficult living conditions, made worse by the pandemic. Of these, 2.7M are internally displaced, and 1.5M of them live in one of the 1160 refugee camps in the region.
[ Feb 9th 2021,  [  GoS ]  The initial shortage led the Syrian government to announce the imposition of quotas for the sale of bread. Those quotas were unevenly applied but were further tightened following the outbreak of the current crisis. Under the current system, the average quota per person  ( which varies slightly based on family size )  is 3.5 pita breads daily that ought to weigh 650 grams, amounting to about 960 calories. However, the Syrian state is unable to provide even this reduced quota.
[ August  October 2020, Northwest Syria ]  Proportion of respondents who did not have a mask, and reported it was/would be possible to use alternatives for a mask in the week prior to data collection: 11% Using a scarf as a mask 3% did Homemade and 6% did nothing.
[ 1 January, 2020, Syria ]  In 2020, an estimated 11.06 million people are in need of some form of humanitarian assistance in Syria. This includes 4.65 million people in acute need. As the crisis enters its tenth year, 6.7 million people remain internally displaced, which is further exacerbated by the COVID 19 epidemic and deteriorating economic conditions.
[ 5 March, 2021, GoS ]  Reports from government controlled areas showed a startling reality in hospitals   many refused to admit patients because of a lack of capacity, and many people died in their homes from COVID like symptoms. Many healthcare providers died from COVID 19, with local health workers tracking the deaths of their colleagues and reporting over 160 healthcare providers who died from COVID 19. Many of them were senior doctors. Health workers asked to purchase their own PPE, and many hospitals required patients to pay for their oxygen or even ventilators. Health facilities reported running out of body bags.
[ 5 March, 2021, NWS ]  In the northwest, there are only 9 hospitals operationalized to treat COVID 19 patients among a population of over 4 million, half of whom are internally displaced persons  ( IDPs ) . There are only 212 ICU beds and 162 ventilators to cover the health needs of this population. Across all of northern Syria, the overarching humanitarian crises remain dire, with rising rates of malnutrition, densely populated camps that prevent social distancing, the effects of harsh winter months, and the destruction of water and sanitation systems.
[ 13 January 2021, Syria ]  Internal agricultural production has also been negatively affected, through difficulties in importing basic production inputs, machinery and supplies. This places further concerns of resource scarcity and food insecurity on an economy already struggling with high levels of inflation.
[ 13 January 2021, Syria ]  When the local currency depreciates, imported goods become more expensive as do domestic products dependent on imported inputs  ( eg, fertilizer; animal feed; diesel ) .
[ 1st March, 2021, GoS ]  The Health Ministry in Damascus has continued for the second day in a row to administer  ( Covid 19 )  vaccine to the frontline health workers within the isolation centers designated for treating Covid 19 patients in different provinces.
[ 30 Jan, 2021, Damascus ]  Health Ministry announced that 54 new coronavirus cases were registered in the country, 75 patients infected with the virus have recovered while 5 others have passed away. In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry said that the total number of Coronavirus cases in the country climbed to 13998 of which 7481 cases recovered and 916 passed away. The first Coronavirus case registered in Syria was reported on March 22nd last year and the first fatality from the virus was recorded seven days later.
[ 04/02/2021, Syria ]  The successful rollout of the coronavirus vaccines in war ravaged Syria depends on their availability and distribution and may initially cover only 3 percent of the population, a World Health Organization official said Tuesday.
[ 04/02/2021, Syria ]  Akjemal Magtymova, a WHO representative in Syria, spoke to the Associated Press in the capital of Damascus amid concerns over the equitable distribution of the coronavirus vaccines across the country when the healthcare sector has been devastated by a decade of war and remains divided into three rival parts.
[ March 2, Lattakia ]  The Director of Education in Lattakia, Omran Abu Khalil, stated to  ( Tishreen )  that the health situation in the governorate's schools is stable, as the number of positive swabs conducted to find out infection with the virus Corona for students and teachers is  ( zero )  since the beginning of the second semester.
[ 7th March, NES ]  There has been a drop in the number of cases reported and registered in NES since the peak of cases in the early winter, however the number of cases that are counted is likely underrepresented in the data. There is still an observed reluctance among the population to seek treatment for COVID 19 and the number of cases likely in transmission that are not being reported, tested or registered remains high. Assessed reasons for the population not reporting symptoms or seeking healthcare for COVID 19 relate to stigma associated with the virus, loss of livelihood opportunities, separation from family members as well as rumours and misinformation around COVID Treatment Facilities and services therein
[  January 27, GoS ]  The President of the Nursing and Medical and Auxiliary Health Professions Syndicate, Yusra Malil, revealed that 12 nursing workers throughout the Syrian governorates had died of the Corona epidemic during the past year, including 4 deaths in Aleppo, 5 deaths in Damascus, one death in Homs, and two deaths in Hama.
[ 11 Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  Persons with disabilities and those with underlying health conditions, can encounter stigma and discrimination at family, community and institutional  ( service )  level. An example includes discriminatory behavior from field staff who may not understand disability and hold misconceptions which can impact the way the staff engage with individuals. In May 2020, attitudinal barriers were reported by persons with disabilities in North West Syria as one of the most significant barriers to accessing humanitarian services.
[ Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  8,333 returnees this month, 8,110 Returnees from within Syria this month  ( 97% of all returnees this month )  and 223 Returnees from abroad  ( 3% of all returnees this month ) .
[ Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  PUSH AND PULL FACTORS OF DISPLACEMENT: 42% said HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE IN PLACE OF DISPLACEMENT, 33% said DETERIORATION OF ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN PREVIOUS LOCATION, 32% SOCIAL/ CULTURAL BONDS IN PLACE OF DISPLACEMENT and 28% LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES IN PLACE OF DISPLACEMENT.
[ 11 JUL, Overall Syria ]  On 11 July, the Government of Syria announced an increase in the price of subsidized diesel for transporters from SYP 200 to SYP 500. This increase has not affected areas in the northeast where costs remains at an average of 200 SYP.
[ December 2020, NES ]  In north eastern Syria, Kurdish authorities extended the partial lockdown imposed across all Kurdish held areas  ( including Qamishli city, where WFP's field office is located )  until 19 January 2021, due to an increase in the number of confirmed COVID 19 cases reported in the areas.
[ December 2020, NWS ]  The security situation in north western Syria remained volatile in December, with several reports of artillery shelling and rocket attacks targeting areas around the frontlines of southern Idlib governorate.
[ December 2020, Syria ]  As of end December, approximately 39,499 COVID 19 cases and 1,203 deaths had been confirmed across all areas of Syria. This includes 11,344 cases and 711 deaths reported in government controlled areas as of 31 December; 20,131 cases and 221 deaths reported in north western Syria as of 30 December, and 8,024 cases and 271 deaths reported in north eastern Syria as of 30 December.
[ 28th Jan 2021, North Syria ]  Sub zero temperatures, floods and soaring food prices – combined with rising cases of COVID 19 and ongoing aid shortages – have rapidly increased the needs across northern Syria at a time when humanitarian access to the area has been severely constrained, NGOs warned today   six months after the UN Security Council voted to further limit access points for humanitarian aid to the country.
[ 28th Jan 2021, North Syria ]  States must learn lessons from the Security Council's decision 12 months ago to remove the only UN crossing to the North East, home to the densely populated Al Hol camp and hundreds of thousands of displaced Syrians. This decision has contributed to gaps in provision of aid, funding and access to supplies to populations in the North East, including basic medicines and COVID 19 testing kits. The situation is only set to worsen as latest projections show that between 40% and 50% of the population of North East Syria are likely to have been infected with COVID 19 by the end of May 2021
[ August  October 2020, Northwest Syria ]  The most trusted sources to give them reliable information about COVID 19;  65% from Health worker at health facility, 60% from Social media messaging and 37% word of mouth.
[ August  October 2020, Northwest Syria ]  67% of respondents reported that they face barriers in taking preventive measures to mitigate the risk of contracting COVID 19. Of the above %, proportion of respondents reporting on barriers that prevented them from taking preventive steps; 42% said Lack of money to buy protective items, 36%  said Lack of money and have to work and 1% also mentioned that they don't believe COVID 19 exists.
[ August  October 2020, Northwest Syria ]  69% of the respondents believe that COVID 19 is generating discrimination against specific groups of people and ff the above % who reported there is discrimination, most commonly reported groups of people perceived to be likely to face discrimination:90% of COVID 19 positive person,55% said Persons suspected of having COVID 19 and 32% said Health workers.
[ 16th March, 2021, Northern Syria ]  Due to communal bathrooms, clean water is not available all the time. People are unable to regularly wash their hands, as they do not have water or soap. If someone gets coronavirus, it is impossible for them to quarantine as they are living in a tent with six other people.
[ January 31, GoS ]  the Director of Preparedness and Emergency at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Tawfiq, explained that the additional isolation sections in a number of hospitals that were opened during the beginning of the peak of the virus spread on the 17th of last November were closed, and the basic isolation section in each hospital was preserved.
[ January 31, Al Hasakeh ]  The city of Hasaka is experiencing a real bread crisis after an interruption and the failure of flour to reach the first automated bakery and private bakeries in the city, which was besieged by the SDF militia for the seventeenth day in a row. An official in the economy and trade sector at the Executive Office of the Provincial Council, Sattam Al Huwaidi, confirmed in a statement to Al Watan that the first automated bakery in Hasaka has been completely shut down for the fourth consecutive day, as a result of the SDF militia preventing the entry of flour into the city center of Hasaka.
[ Jan 2021, NES ]  WHO and health partners conducted an assessment of all healthcare facilities' functionality and capacity. The report identified urgent gaps are in prenatal care, infant care, medications, access to care for chronic diseases, and access to health care facilities for non emergency cases.
[ 1 May 2021, NWS ]  On May 1, a three week COVID 19 vaccination campaign targeting medical workers began in northwest Syria. The start of vaccinations follows the recent arrival of vaccines in the country.
[ 1 January, 2020, Syria ]  Needs for Shelter & NFI assistance remain significant and response is still limited in comparison to needs. Nearly 4 million people are living in areas of high elevation, snowfall and extreme winter weather.
[ 1 January, 2020, Syria ]  Critical gaps have been identified in the informal settlements in Northwest where mainly tents and makeshift shelters are not appropriately weatherized to withstand harsh conditions. In Northeast, deteriorating, poorly isolated and overcrowded collective shelters are putting residents at a greater risk of contracting Covid 19, especially with the approaching winter.
In northwest Syria, 20,939 confirmed positive cases had been identified as of 25January, as the testing capacity had increased since the last reporting period. To support the ongoing response, 15,400 swabs and universal transport medias  ( UTM ) were procured in late December with 50,000 swabs and UTMs in the pipeline at the time of reporting.
In  December,  assessments  across  205  IDP  sites  in  Dana,  Harim,  Armanaz,  Badama,  Darkosh,  Maaret  Tamsrin, Qourqeena, Jisr Ash Shugur, and Salqin sub districts found 21 percent of the assessed sites reported no chlorination of water; 65 percent did not have  sufficient water storing  capacity sufficient for one day;on  average 54 people were found to be sharing one latrine while latrines were not disaggregated by sex in 8 percent of sites; 70 percent of the assessed sites did not receive hygiene kits in the past 3 months;
[ 27 April 2021, Al Hol Camp, NES ]  Of particular concern is a rise in cases in Al Hol Camp. As of 27 April, 39 positive cases of COVID19 and 6 related deaths had been reported in the camp to date, of which 15 were currently active and 12 in isolation. Al Hol houses 60,000 people including 31,000 children.
According to data from monthly nutrition surveillance and admission into programmes for treatment of acute malnutrition, the nutrition situation in northwest Syria was far worse in 2020 than in 2019. Cases of severe and moderate acute malnutrition among children aged 6 59 months increased by over 70 percent and 38 percent, respectively, in 2020 compared to the year prior. Similarly, the proxy prevalence of chronic malnutrition ( stunting )  in December 2020 increased by 2 percent compared to the same period in the year prior, affecting one third of children aged 6 59 months. Since the start of 2020, some 2.2 million children aged 6 59 months and pregnant and lactating women  ( PLW )  have been reached by 31 partners with nutrition services in 588 communities and 42 sub districts of northwest Syria. This represents nearly 95 percent of the population in need, a 9 percent increase in coverage compared to the last situation update.
As of 25 January, the number of health care workers  ( HCWs )  and health facilities staff  ( physicians, dentists, nurses, midwives and various medical technicians )  who contracted COVID 19 disease reached 1,545  ( 7.4percent )  and another 1129  ( 5.4percent )  were other staff working in healthcare facilities or community health workers. Despite the prevalence of COVID 19infection amongst health care workers and health facility staff,the rates have remained tolerable with no major increases in the last months due to a major focus on Infection Prevention Control  ( IPC ) training and equipment.
The current lack of WASH services are already exacerbating the capability of humanitarian actors and affected populations as cases of water borne diseases such as diarrhoea are currently higher than in previous years  ( 17,386 cases compared to 13,118 in 2017 )  and are expected to increase significantly with the reductions in WASH services being experienced.
[ Dec 2020, Syria ]  In December 2020, the volatility in the exchange market continued to push most prices of agriculture inputs out of the reach of vulnerable farmers in some governorates, especially barley seed, nitrate and phosphate fertilizer, poultry and cattle feed, diesel fuel and some imported crop protection agro chemicals
[  26 Jan 2021, Overall Syria ]  As of January 26, health actors had identified more than 43,100 confirmed COVID 19 cases, including more than 1,560 deaths, throughout Syria. The total figure includes nearly 21,000 confirmed COVID 19 cases and 380 deaths in opposition held areas of northwest Syria, more than 8,400 confirmed cases and 289 fatalities in northeast Syria, and approximately 13,800 confirmed cases and 895 deaths in Syrian Arab Republic Government held areas.
[ 23rd March 2021, Overall Syria ]  While vaccination campaigns against COVID 19 are expected to begin in 2021, the high levels of coverage required to bring the pandemic under control will not be achieved for some time. External factors such as new variants of the virus and internal factors such as new large scale displacements can further disrupt vaccination efforts. Therefore, throughout much of 2021, COVID 19 will remain a significant risk for people in Syria, both directly and indirectly.
[ July 2021, Southern Syria ]  The security situation in Dar'a governorate continued to deteriorate. The recent increase in hostilities led to large displacements from Dar'a al Balad to Dar'a city towards the end of July. Most of the displaced people were hosted by family members, while a smaller number were accommodated in collective shelters.
[ Dec 2020 ]  Dará, Tartous and Aleppo governorates recorded the highest diesel fuel price of 23 667, 23 000, 22 000 SYP per 20 litres respectively, while the price in Al Hasakeh was 3 500 SYP for the same amount, representing the lowest diesel fuel price across the monitored sites.
[ Dec 2020 ]  Bread price in Deir ez Zor increased by 6 percent m o m from 150 SYP per pack  ( rabta )  to 233 SYP per pack  ( rabta ) . While the bread price in Homs and Aleppo governorates has decreased one percent m o m ) . Al  Hasakeh governorate recorded the lowest price of wheat flour with a selling price of 650 SYP per kg  ( 12 percent m o m decrease )  as highlighted in
[ 01/02/2021, Overall Syria ]  Nevertheless, as the economic situation has worsened, some humanitarian partners have reported the informal exchange rate volatility and inflation has forced temporary suspension of local procurement and budget redesign, leading to delays in programme delivery.
[ 14th Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced that 43 new coronavirus cases were registered in the country, 79 patients infected with the virus have recovered while 3 others have passed away.
[ 13th Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced that 55 new coronavirus cases were registered in the country, 80 patients infected with the virus have recovered while 4 others have passed away.
[ Feb 8th, 2021, Syria ]  The introduction of a new 5,000 Syrian pound banknote has sent prices soaring and caused the currency to drop against the US dollar. The first effect was the deterioration of the pound's exchange rate, reaching its lowest value in history; on Sunday, the Syrian pound reached 3,200 pounds per dollar.
[ Feb 8th, 2021, Syria ]  On Jan. 24, 2021, the Central Bank launched the new banknote, at which time the exchange rate was 2,910 pounds per dollar, rising to 3,000 pounds within two weeks.
[ 13th Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  In a statement on Saturday evening, the Ministry said that the total number of Coronavirus cases in the country reached 14820 of which 8600 cases recovered and 975 passed away.
[ 12th Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced that 41 new coronavirus cases were registered in the country, 82 patients infected with the virus have recovered while 3 others have passed away.
[ 31ST JAN 2021, NES ]  Over the same period, 19 staff have been in self quarantine or self isolation, six of whom were in self quarantine or self isolation as of 31 January. This is a significant reduction from November, where a total of 77 staff were self quarantining or self isolating as of the end of the month, with a total of 133 staff over the whole month.
[ 16th Feb 2021 ] Hardly any communities more than ~75% in GoS, ~80% in NSAG and ~60% in SDF reported having no access to Psychosocial support.
[ 01/02/2021, Overall Syria ]  The type of protection services the respondents report being affected during COVID19, awareness raising activities being the most affected, and removal of explosive hazards being least effected.
[ 11th Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Thursday that 56 new Coronavirus cases were registered in the country, and that 72 patients infected with the virus have recovered while 3 others have passed away.
[ Dec 2020, Overall Syria ]  Four out of fifteen monitored food items recorded a general price decrease in December 2020 with varied percentages. Flour, sheep milk, cow meat and sheep meat all recorded slight price decreases, while bread, sugar, rice, eggs, cow milk, chicken meat, olive oil, sunflower oil, potato and eggplant prices has increased by 7, 8, 20, 9, 5, 17, 11, 5 , 4 and 72 percent respectively.
[ 9th Feb 2021, Overall Syria ]  In a statement to SANA, the Ministry indicated that the total number of coronavirus cases in Syria reached up to 14611, out of which 8288 cases recovered and 961 passed away.
[ January 2021, NWS ]  Effects of COVID 19 on livelihoods sectors in the community  ( by % of communities ) : 30% said None of the available livelihood sectors were affected and 70% said At least one of the available livelihood sectors was partially or totally affected.
[ January 2021, NWS ]  % of communities where COVID 19 risk indicators were reported: 43% Overcrowding reported as a shelter inadequacy , 48% Schools are overcrowded reported as a challenge for students who access education, 44% Health facilities are overcrowded reported as a barrier to healthcare access
[ January 2021, NWS ] 13% mentioned Education services were not always functioning in person because schools in the assessed location were closed by local authorities at least some days due to COVID 19 and 70% mentioned Education services were not always functioning in person because classes were reduced  ( number of days/grades )  due to COVID 19.
[ 28 January 2021, Syria ]  In addition, people who were already struggling to survive had many of their food stocks, household goods and other meagre possessions washed away. Water was contaminated. Small children, the elderly, pregnant mothers and others were left stranded in remote areas in the mud, as temperatures dropped below zero. Thousands of people found themselves cut off from all services and support for days, as rescue workers and humanitarian struggled to reach them and provide support.
[ 9th Feb 2021, Syria ]  More than 2000 coronavirus confirmed cases have been registered in schools among the students and teaching staff until today according to the statistics of Education Ministry which goes ahead in its efforts to train staff and enhance measures for human and technical monitoring capabilities and strictly apply the health Protocol to secure a safe, clear and healthy environment.
[ 9th Feb 2021, Syria ]  Director of Health department at the Ministry, Dr. Hatoun al  Tawashi told SANA that 2,177 confirmed cases of Coronavirus have been detected in schools among students and teaching staff until today.
[ March 2021, GoSyria ]  Furthermore, on 6 March 2021, missiles struce a fuel market and a fuel refinery in Aleppo, resulting in casualties and destroying around 200 to 300 fuel truces. The Suez Canal blockage in Egypt has hindered the oil supplies into Syria. Both incidents have further aggravated the limited access to fuel in the country.
[ 01/02/2021, Overall Syria ]  Restriction on face to face meetings / public gatherings were reported as the common measure applied in different areas where partners intervene  ( 73% of respondent ) . While 43% of respondent report closure of community centers as one of common measures applied.
[ 28 January 2021, Syria ]  Following extensive efforts by humanitarian workers to reach affected communities, latest reports indicate that at least 121,000 people in 304 sites in northwest Syria were badly affected when torrential rain and strong winds damaged or destroyed at least 21,700 tents.
[ 01/02/2021, GoS ]  Given the limited/insufficient testing across Syria, it is likely the actual number of cases far exceeds official figures, with significant numbers of asymptomatic and mild cases in particular going undetected. Contact tracing is also a challenge, including in more remote governorates and camps.
[ 01/02/2021, Overall Syria ]  The methodology mostly used  ( 88% )  among the respondents to continue implementing awareness raising activities is to deliver awareness sessions to a limited number of people taking the COVID 19 prevention measures into consideration. 70% say that they are using WhatsApp groups to provide those sessions. Additionally, one to one awareness sessions were reported by 63% of the respondents and about 56% report that they are depending on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp to implement the activities. Other methods that were used by the partners include printing and distributing brochures, SMS, Radio, TV and other mass media channels.
[ 01/02/2021, Overall Syria ]  Most of the protection activities have continued while taking precautionary measures to prevent the COVID 19 virus, such as wearing masks, sterilization, switch to use of social media, and spatial separation as well as commitment to a specified number of participants not exceeding 7 attendances per session.
[ 16th Feb 2021, GoS ]  Highlighting the particular risks faced by healthcare workers, the MoH has reported 459 healthcare workers have tested positive for COVID 19, almost double the number since our last report. This includes 22 healthcare workers who have sadly died.
[ 01/02/2021, Overall Syria ]  Border closures, the volatility of the exchange rate  ( and banking challenges in Lebanon ) , and other factors that impact the import of certain medical supplies critical to an effective COVID 19 response are also a concern. Other materials are in short supply in the local market, including due to wholesalers withdrawing supplies due to current exchange rate volatility.
[ 01/02/2021, Overall Syria ]  94% of the respondents report that they are using safety protocols in the static facilities. More than half of the organizations are using the safety protocol issued by the MoH and around 41% use a safety protocol issued by UN agencies.
[ 16th Feb 2021, NES ] In NES, per the COVAX Interim Distribution Forecast, Syria could receive up to 1.02 M vaccine doses in Q 1 and Q 2. Of these 100,000  ( covering roughly 3.8 per cent of the NES population )  have been preliminarily allocated to NES and, as per the prioritization criteria established under the Syria National Deployment and Vaccination Plan  ( NDVP ) .
[ 23 June 2021, GoS ]  The Health Ministry announced on 23/06/2021 that 43 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Syria, adding that 10 coronavirus patients recovered and 4 others passed away.
[ Overall Syria ]  The prices of food and basic commodities are going up at a similar rate as the $ exchange rate because the Syrian economy is now very sensitive to external conditions. ( LSE Conflict Research Programme, 09/02/2021 )
[ Overall Syria ]  The sharp currency depreciation has led to a surge in the Consumer Price Index. The estimation shows that, with the current exchange rate, the #CPI has increased almost 50 times since 2010 and 3.2 times since the beginning of 2020.  ( LSE Conflict Research Programme, 09/02/2021 )
[ January 2021, NWS ]  % of communities where extreme coping strategies used by residents and IDPs to meet basic needs were reported: For both residents ( 69% )  and IDPS ( 80% )  most commonly reported coping mechanism was Sending children  ( 15 or below )  to work and early marriage 35% of residents and 42% of IDPs.
[ 01/02/2021, Overall Syria ]  Main protection issues affecting children as a result of COVID 19 situation are lack of access to education to 69% and Psychological trauma, stress and anxiety to 63%.
[ Overall Syria ]  Hardly any formal exports, so no hard currency coming in. National reserves of hard currency had already been depleted back from about 20 billion USD in 2010 to less than 0.5 billion ( LSE Conflict Research Programme, 09/02/2021 )
Lebanon used to be the gate for Syria and Syrians for hard currency and finance   this has been closed now and in Lebanon they are refusing to exchange Syrian currency ( LSE Conflict Research Programme, 09/02/2021 )
[ 01/02/2021, Overall Syria ]  Main protection issues affecting women and girls as a result of COVID 19 situation are Psychological trauma, stress and anxiety, Violence or abuse within families/households, violence, harassment or abuse in the community, lack of safe space and privacy and lack of access to sexual and reproductive health services.
[ January 2021, NWS ]  Child labour and early marriage were reported to prevent children from going to school in 78% and 39% of communities respectively
[ January 2021, NWS ]  Children below the age of 12 were reported as a group affected by child labour in 19% of communities. Hazardous child labour was reported as a protection risk in 6% of communities
[ 01/02/2021, Overall Syria ]  Main protection issues affecting older persons as a result of COVID 19 situation are lack of access to health care, including medication to 66.67% and psychological trauma, stress and anxiety to 60%.
[ 12th Feb 2021, Syria ]  Private sources revealed to Sowt al Asimah that a batch of the Russian “Sputnik' Covid 19 vaccine had arrived in Syria. The sources said that the Ministry of Health received nearly 100 thousand doses of the Russian vaccine, indicating that the vaccination process will include medical personnel in the “governmental' hospitals in Damascus and its countryside, and another in Lattakia and Homs, in addition to military hospitals throughout Syria.
[ 01/02/2021, Overall Syria ]  71% of the respondents report facing significant challenges regarding the low implementation rate for planned activities as a result of the COVID 19 situation and have had to suspend/minimize their activities for a specific period, while 42% report that there is a lack of access to the beneficiaries, 35% report that they are facing funding concerns and 20% say that the productivity of the staff has been reduced in addition to a lack of interest to work due to staff health concerns.