nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
At the national level, the UN has established a COVID 19 Crisis Coordination Committee  ( CCC ) , led by the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator  ( RC/HC )  with the WHO Representative for Syria serving as the Incident Manager, to closely engage with the GoS and other stakeholders in the implementation of the multi sectoral response.
The latest infections raise to nine the number of Kurdish Red Crescent staff in northeastern Syria who have contracted the virus, a volunteer at the organisation told AFP news agency, asking not to be identified.
[  29 Sept, GoS, NES, NWS ]  The Syrian government has registered more than 4,100 cases of coronavirus in areas under its control while there are scores of cases in the last rebel stronghold in the country's northwest and eastern Syria that is controlled by U.S. backed Kurdish led fighters.
[ 19th September 2020, Overall Syria ]  The epidemiological situation in Syria seems to have rapidly evolved through widespread community transmission, as 92 per cent of the announced cases cannot be traced to a known source. The testing is low across Syria – 37,000 tests were performed in laboratories across the country as of 19 September – particularly in remote areas.
Cham Wings Company, a private airline, said that it was working to donate 4,500 testing kits for the government. The first shipment was delivered last week, according to the company
During the reporting period, supplementary 12th grade exams were completed, as were 9 th grade exams. As was the case for 12th grade exams in July, humanitarian partners provided multi sectoral support including IPC measures such as sterilization of accommodation and examination centers and the provision of PPE to teachers, invigilators and observers; as well as the provision of meals, NFIs and dignity kits to those hosted in accommodation centers.
Al Bukamal Al Quaem crossing is reported open for commercial and military movements; Ras al Ain border crossing 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
Some 4,289 9 grade UNRWA students across Syria wrote their national exam between 22 June and 8 july
Seventy  five UNRWA psychosocial counsellors and sixty teachers bene ted from training on provision of psychosocial support and delivering self learning materials remotely.
In recent weeks, a reported 2,000 Syrian nationals residing in Lebanon have also reportedly returned through land crossings, mainly Maasna border point. 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.
[  November 11, NWS ]  Many of the 16,000 residents of Abu Dali camp live with their extended families in crowded tents, some as small as six square metres. Healthcare in the camp is provided by teams from Médecins Sans Frontières  ( MSF ) , who work in a number of camps for displaced people across northwest Syria.
[ 20th Jan 2021, NSAG ]  Ar raqqa, Aleppo, Hama and Idleb has a little to no communities implementing COVID 19 mitigation measures such as awareness campaigns, closure of public spaces, lockdown, isolation, temperature check etc.
UNRWA is offering a mixed modality for delivering TVET courses, alternating between online and in class training. Two hundred and seventy four trainees received training on the employability skills in July
The Ministry said in a statement that the total number of Coronavirus cases registered in Syria has reached3506, of which 827patients have recovered and 152 have passed away
[ 11th November 2020, Overall Syria ]  The Health Ministry announced on Wednesday that 96 new Coronavirus  ( COVID 19 )  cases have been registered in Syria, and that 50 patients have recovered, while 4 others have passed away.
On April 25, two land crossings reopened between Idlib and the Aleppo western countryside under the control of Turkish affiliated forces. The first, near Atama, opened for passengers, and the second, near Darat Azza, opened for both passengers and goods. It is not clear if this is related to the WHO assistance or reflects a relaxation on movement restrictions.
[ November 3 2020,NorthEast Syria ]  Of these, 167  ( 34% of all cases among health workers )  have been recorded in Hassakeh city. Transmission continues to be reported at health facilities across NES
In Hama, WHO supported teams visited seven shelters for awareness raising and psychosocial support for 250 families, and a further partner conducted awareness raising reaching 7,289 people in Dar'a and Rural Damascus. In addition, the Syrian Society for Social Development  ( SSSD )  reached a further 987 people with awareness raising in the reporting period  ( 2,680 total ) , including families with specific needs.
According to SOHR statistics, based on reports obtained from reliable medical sources in regime controlled areas, the total number of confirmed Covid 19 cases has reached nearly 10,050, of whom 1,170 recovered, and 640 died.The cases are distributed across all Syrian provinces. However, most of the deaths and infections have been in Aleppo, Damascus and Rif Dimashq.
Especially the price of masks  ( up 388 percent ) , gloves  ( up 243 percent ) , hand gel/sanitizer  ( up 219 percent )  and alcohol spray  ( up 199 percent ) , registered considerable increases. Even the price of a basic bar of soap increased by 159 percent as a result of the COVID 19 outbreak.
The number of cases that that have been officially announced in Syria is now 809, including 256 recovering cases and 44 deaths. Information indicates that the infections documented by the Ministry of Health constitute only a fraction of the total infections in the Syrian governorates.
Meanwhile in Aleppo Province, the numbers of Coronavirus infections are still at their peak according to the opinion of a number of specialized doctors in the province hospitals. However, the symptoms of the disease are generally mild and varied between high fever, chest infections, diarrhea and weakness in general.
Dr. Ziyad Hajj Taha, Head of Aleppo Health Directorate, said in a statement to SANA that the emergency department at al Razi Hospital in Aleppo received on a daily basis during the month of August more than 200 patients per day, of whom between 80 and 90 patients were suspected cases of coronavirus, but with the beginning of this month, a decrease in the number of those who are suspected of being infected with the virus, to between 40 and 60 percent.
The caretaker cabinet has decided to open schools on Sep. 13thafter considering the health protocol submitted by the Education Ministry to tackle the novel coronavirus during the new school year.
[ 7th October 2020, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Wednesday that 47 new coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, adding that 15 patients have recovered while 3 others have passed away.
n the reporting period, UNICEF supported campaigns in Aleppo and in NES, highlighting physical distancing. UNHCR also continued supporting partners in 37 community led initiatives including in awareness raising. WHO also supported a further five awareness raising sessions in Hama and Lattakia governorates.
The humanitarian situation in opposition controlled northwest Syria  ( NWS ) , made up of the province of Idlib and northern Aleppo, has deteriorated drastically since the military escalation of the Syrian army and its Russian allies in the southern parts of Idlib. This makes the area acutely vulnerable to a severe outbreak of COVID 19.
Meanwhile, the number of people who recovered increased to 78 from 62. No new death was recorded; they stand at six since the beginning of the pandemic. The number of people who are currently quarantined is 1,984, overwhelmingly in the Damascus countryside. In total, 11,195 people have been sent to quarantine centres throughout the pandemic.
The past week saw increased restrictions on movement. On April 02, the Ministry of Interior quarantined the Sayyida Zeinab suburb of Damascus, making it the second area after Mnin, also a suburb of Damascus, to be in that situation. Sayyida Zeinab is the site of a very important Shia shrine and is the centre of the Iranian presence in the country, hosting many Iranian pilgrims and, currently, combatants.
The needs of persons with disabilities are often overlooked in shelters. Where a shelter lacks inclusive, disability appropriate infrastructure, individuals with disability may be more limited within the shelter and unable to meet their basic WASH needs
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ] There is not enough testing to diagnose the scale of the virus' spread. In northwest Syria only one laboratory is operating and there are only 86 ventilators and just over 100 ICU beds for the over 4 million people living in northwest Syria.
Meanwhile, health workers still lack sufficient personal protective equipment and several facilities have suspended operations because of a lack of capacity and staff falling ill from COVID 19, he said.
[ Sep 24, Northwest Syria ]   [ # of COVID 19 casualties ]  The Syrian Observatory have documented an increase in the number of casualties in Northwest Syria to 9 deaths.
The cases are broken down by region as follows: 27 cases, including medical staff in HTS held areas in Idlib, parts of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia, and 29 cases in the areas controlled by Turkish backed factions, north of Aleppo.
[ 7th October 2020, North and NW Syria ]  In the north and northwest, the Syrian Interim Government reported that the number of positive cases increased this week to 1,379 cases compared with 999 last week, a growth of 38 percent, including 751 recoveries and 14 deaths.
[ 14th oct 2020,Overall Syria ] So far, only 13,126 tests have been performed since the first signs of the pandemic began to appear in the area in July.
[ 29th September 2020 , Overall Syria ]  After closing on 13 August, Jordanian authorities reopened the Jaber/Nassib border crossing for commercial movement on 27 September.
According to a report in Al Iqtisadi, the government plans to start selling bread through the smart card system in the provinces of Damascus, Damascus Countryside and Aleppo. The quantity of bread to be allocated to each individual is estimated at 320 g per day and the price is to be set at SYP 50.00 per pack, unchanged from now. Each pack contains seven loaves and has a weight of 1.3 kg.
Due to exchange rate volatility, regional banking crisis and other factors, including knock on effects of the preventive measures of COVID 19 on the economy, dramatic price rises have been recorded in many basic commodities. According to WFP VAM data, the price of an average food basket in June was the highest on record, on average costing 48 per cent more compared to May, and 240 per cent more when compared to the same time in 2019. In June, the highest rises were recorded in Quneitra  ( up 78 per cent ) , Rural Damascus  ( 62 per cent ) , and Deir Ez Zor  ( 61 per cent ) .
[ 21 Nov 2020, NWS ]  The displaced people continue to suffer from a lack of support from humanitarian organizations and face great difficulty in securing safe heating materials, due to their high prices, while some use plastics, waste, used rubber tires and clothing, which have significant human health risks, amid deteriorating health conditions, while health centres are filled with patients in the light of the spread of coronavirus pandemic.
Given that even the most advanced health systems globally have been quickly overwhelmed, the priority remains on providing support to and reinforcing isolation facilities.
In a response to the COVID 19 pandemic, the DSA issued a statement on 19th of March, announcing the closure of its border crossings with Iraq, as well as the closure of restaurants, cafes, malls, public places and small private clinics, with a mandatory curfew for all citizens except medical personnel, grocery store workers and food delivery truck drivers.
Overall, the key challenges to meeting basic needs include high prices  ( 97% ) , fear of job loss  ( 62% )  and lack of product availability  ( 24% ) . Concerns about job losses and the lack of available products in the June consultations are consistent with our first round of consultations. It is no surprise then that the focal points report job loss/ not being able to earn an income  ( 34% )  as their primary concerns with regard to the current economic situation, since losing employment would exacerbate the impact of high prices and reduced access to basic goods.
Shelter partners have conducted 47 assessments of collective shelters in Aleppo, Damascus, Deir Ez Zor, Homs, Lattakia and Tartous to identify repairs to hygiene facilities, improve privacy and reduce overcrowding. To date, work has been completed in 21 shelters, covering approximately 2,331 people, with further approvals pending. In Aleppo, AlHasakeh, Homs and As Sweida, 804 shelter kits have been provided. Further, in Al Hasakeh, 75 shelters have been assessed, and shelter kits for 100 families were provided to quickly improve privacy and complete basic repairs
( NW 20/10/2020 )  The recent increased of confirmed cases comes alongside the more than twofold increase in testing capacity, as two additional laboratories are now active, taking the total to three in northwest Syria. One new laboratory is in Jarablus and the other is in Afrin. These supplement the existing laboratory in Idleb city and contribute to a sharp rise in daily testing capacity, now averaging of over 500 tests per day. As of 19October, 18,076tests have been performed.
WHO support to scaling up surveillance and testing, contact tracing, increasing inpatient treatment capacity, prevention measures, and community mobilization. • 4 labs functional now, 2,400 tests performed thus far, testing still ‘strategic', no random testing. GoS decision to not report cases in areas outside its control, despite collecting data from these areas. Mobilization of rapid response teams in the north east, however, reportedly delayed in numerous instances.
Most land borders into Syria remain closed, with some limited exemptions  ( from Jordan, 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 while a limited number of humanitarian workers have been able to enter Lebanon from Syria
The SNFI Cluster ensured that proposals for the first SCHF sSNFI Cluster members continue to provide awareness raising sessions at the individual level or in small groups. The Cluster is participating in the inter sector tracking of the PPE gap, with surveys conducted to monitor gaps reported by Cluster members. Some Cluster members have been able to provide protective equipment to their staff. tandard allocations for 2020 proposals are in line with Cluster guidelines on COVID 19.
UNICEF continues to support light rehabilitation of WASH systems in hospitals across the country, with works completed in 12 facilities  ( including Al Hol ) , and ongoing in three others ) . UNICEF has further provided additional support by rehabilitating WASH facilities at the Al Dweir quarantine centre and has also provided disinfectant materials.
[ 5th October 2020, Syria ]  Efforts to fight the virus against this dire backdrop can only be doomed to fail. The fact that cases have increased 1000 percent in northwest Syria in September alone makes for a dire warning.
Key areas of focus for IPC in NES include coverage in camps: Various IPC measures have been implemented in camps. At the entrance to camps, humanitarian actors have supported the Camp Administration to establish temperature screening points and installed mandatory hand washing stations, with partners providing equipment including thermometric scanners as well as basic training on medical screening to the guards
Supporting the national COVID 19 response, WFP in July commenced an institutional feeding project in cooperation with WHO, whereby WFP is providing food to vulnerable people in COVID 19 quarantine centres.
Among the people who tested positive for the Coronavirus, 137 were in Damascus, 98 in the Damascus Countryside governorate, 23 in Quneitra, ten in Aleppo, five in Homs, two in Suweida, two in Daraa and two in Hama.
As of 16 August, there have been no confirmed case of COVID 19 among Al Hol residents, however, there have been five confirmed cases among health staff working at the camp  ( as well as in other facilities outside the camp ) . To date, 24 suspected cases were identified in the camp. Contact tracing was conducted with at least 24 close contacts being identified; at least two of these were subsequently determined as suspect cases and tested negative. As of 16 August, all had reportedly been tested and tested negative. On 19 August, two further health staff working in Areesha camp tested positive for COVID 19. As a precaution, Areesha camp has been locked down for three days to allow contact tracing and screening to be completed.
Cross border deliveries from Turkey accounted for 30 percent of the total WFP general food assistance dispatched. This includes food rations for some 1.4 million people areas of Idlib and Aleppo governorate inaccessible from inside Syria.
Another partner delivered 1,141 facility based individual sessions. One group conducted 386 community sessions, 398 local council sessions, 4,482 household  ( HH )  visits, 227 pharmacy visits, and continued engaging 419 imams in addition to vaccination awareness sessions and social media publications. Another partner delivered 342 HH sessions through 10 teams, while another trained 169 volunteers, engaged imams, and produced messages related to homemade facemasks, and precautions in Ramadan
In the reporting period, WHO, working with the MoH, provided awareness sessions for healthcare workers in Damascus, Rural Damascus, Aleppo, Homs and Lattakia. On 9 April, the Education sector conducted online awareness training, including MHPSS for education sub sector partners, and further, has engaged the department of Education and private education facilities in Deir Ez Zor to distribute IEC materials and messaging, including online and WhatsApp groups.
WFP in July further reduced the number of staff reporting to the offices, both at the country office in Damascus and at all field offices in response to the increased number of cases. WFP is also providing all staff and their families with personal protective equipment, including masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
Additionally, only 13 percent report limiting movement, compared to 78 percent in central and south and 81 percent in north east Syria.
Across NES there are up to 18 specially equipped ambulances available to support COVID 19 related referrals. Of these, seven are in Al Hasakeh, three in Ar Raqqa, four in Deir Ez Zor  ( but require additional preparation )  and four are in Aleppo
Our concern for the impact of the pandemic on the Syrian people remains acute and is growing. As of 18 August, the total number of COVID 19 cases in Syria is 2114, including 1844 confirmed by the Ministry of Health in Government held areas, 51 cases in northwest Syria – including the first cases in two IDP camps   and 219 in the northeast.
3 Community Wellbeing Centers ( CWCs ) 5 continued to provide integrated GBV and RH services while ensuring the respect of precautionary measures against COVID 19.
[ 29th September 2020 , Overall Syria ]  The Government of Syria  ( GoS )  has announced that when international passenger flights resume on 1 October, there will be no further repatriation flights. In recent weeks, a reported 2,000 Syrian nationals residing in Lebanon have also reportedly returned through land crossings, mainly Maasna border point.
People who tested positive are located in the following governorates: 290 in Damascus, 134 in Damascus Countryside, 34 in Quneitra, 30 in Aleppo, 17 in Lattakia, ten in Hama, nine in Homs, eight in Suweida, seven in Daraa, and one in Tartous.
According to the official page of the Ministry of Health of the Turkish backed Syrian Interim Government  ( SIG ) , the number of positive cases increased in Syria to 22 from eight last week. These numbers refer to people living in areas under the control of Turkish backed armed factions and in Idlib.
As part of ensuring appropriate IPC measures during national examinations for ninth grade students, WASH sector partners supported light rehabilitation of WASH facilities at 42 accommodation centres in Rural Damascus, Hama and Raqqa governorates. WASH items have also been provided to all examination centers, in addition to PPE, hand sanitizers, dignity kits and relevant awareness raising, as well as sanitation and disinfection of all accommodation and examination centers.
WHO supported eight one day workshops targeting 136 trainees at 79 primary health care facilities in Damascus, Rural Damascus and Deir ez Zor on triage, IPC/PPE, case definition and referral pathways. In addition, 100 health care workers were trained on triage, IPC/PPE measures and case management for SARI cases when COVID 19 is suspected through workshops at four Ministry of Higher Education university hospitals in Damascus.
An acute shortage of health workers in NES means that many staff are working in multiple facilities, often managed and contracted by different stakeholders  ( ranging from local authorities, GoS, NGO, UN and private facilities ) . The level of movement/work between different facilities combined with the challenges in coordinating health worker presence between these different entities has presented a unique challenge.
Households Oral Polio Vaccine  ( OPV )  vaccination was postponed from April 2020, following the recommendations from the Polio Oversight Board  ( POB ) , as a preventive measure to avoid the spread of COVID 19. Unfortunately, it is postponed again after the announcement of the first COVID 19 positive case in last week
As part of this deployment, the NGO delivered IPC and PPE training to staff, donated hygiene supplies  ( buckets, towels and soap ) , installed hand washing points and showers , donated essential medical items  ( oxygen masks/ pulse oximeter ) , established a water filter system and set up donning and doffing areas
Over the reporting period, WHO delivered additional PPE to the CPHL, including 2,000 medical masks, 500 surgical masks, 13,000 gloves, 14,000 head covers, 12,000 shoe covers, 200 cover all and 50 face shields. To date, WHO has provided 34 enzyme kits  ( 3,400 reactions ) , 52 extraction kits  ( 3,000 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 PPE for laboratory staff.
Following discussions between the RCCE group and WASH Cluster, partners are collaborating to distribute 720,000 food parcels with soap, including 420,000 with COVID 19 stickers, instead of the in person distribution of brochures.
As outlined in previous reports, samples continue to be collected by RRTs and sent to the CPHL or regional laboratories in Aleppo, Homs and Lattakia with WHO support. In July at the time of writing, 1,586 samples had been collected from 10 governorates, including one case from Al Hasakeh.
In collective centres, NES partners have so far committed to support IPC interventions in 56 collective centres in NES, including installation of additional hand washing stations, WASH infrastructure rehabilitation, the establishment of screening areas and temperature monitoring. COVID hygiene kit distributions are also planned in these centres over the coming period.
Trainings related to awareness raising also continues. In the reporting period, WHO supported a training workshop in Tartous for 25 healthcare providers on best practices during COVID 19.
At the central level, the MoH has announced 22 isolation centres are currently running, with a cumulative capacity of 1,073 beds, including 894 isolation beds, 174 ICU beds, and 155 ventilators. The 30 quarantine centres are reported to have 5,774 beds. As mentioned in previous reports, information has been received indicating that patients experiencing mild symptoms have been requested by some isolation centres to quarantine at home.
The Education Sector is also mapping WASH needs in schools. To date, 1.15 million soap bars and IPC materials for 11,500 schools have been procured for when schools reopen, while WASH partners continue to deliver increased quantities of soap and hygiene kits. In addition to delivery of their regular WASH services across the country, UNICEF are preparing this month's soap distribution to occur jointly with WFP food assistance, targeting 3.5 million people
Another partner supported distribution of 1,539 hygiene kits and 8,265 soap bars in Hama and Rural Damascus in partnership with SARC. One partner, in partnership with SARC, also distributed 828 family hygiene kits and 13,420 bars of soap in collective shelters, orphanages, other vulnerable beneficiaries in Hama Governorate. In Al Hasakeh Governorate, IMC and SARC are finalizing plans to distribute cleaning materials and tools, jerry cans and soap in 63 IDPs shelters
An estimated 12 million people have been reached by television and radio awareness campaigns, and printed information, education and communication  ( IEC )  materials since March, while more than six million people have been reached through social media
At all points of entry  ( PoE ) , 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. The Food Security Sector continues liaison with the Logistics Cluster to update partners with pertinent information as necessary.
All crossing points into NES have implemented basic screening procedures comprising a temperature check, questionnaire and RDT. Those people who have symptoms, a temperature or test positive are taken to a dedicated isolation area where a more detailed medical assessment is undertaken. Where deemed appropriate, a sample may subsequently be taken for a PCR test. While all people crossing into NES are reportedly told to self quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, there is no mechanism for enforcing or monitoring adherence
Through funds received by the OCHA COVID 19 reserve SHF allocation, WFP, as lead agency of the Logistics Cluster, is now providing access to an UNHAS service, including air cargo transport, from Damascus to Qamishli. In NWS  ( as of 16 August ) , WHO has distributed a one month supply of PPE and IPC material to one isolation  ( ICU )  hospital and three CCTCs. Included in this were 1,000 disposable gowns, 300 protective suits,174 face shields, 137 goggles, 39,800 examination gloves, 15,750 surgical masks, and 2,860 N95 masks.
WHO has provided testing kits to the MoH since 12 February. During the reporting period, WHO delivered 9,600 screening tests and 1,921 confirmatory tests and enzyme kits  ( 17,500 preparations )  to the CPHL
To date, two air conditioners and two refrigerators have been procured; two air conditioners, four refrigerators and the laboratory generator have been repaired. Further rehabilitation of the CPHL to establish a designated laboratory for COVID 19 is ongoing. On site training for 24 CPHL laboratory technicians has been completed.
Early in the response, local authorities received a consignment of some 75,000 RDTs from an unknown benefactor.
Other materials, for example pumps, sterilization equipment and PPEs are in short supply in the local market, including due to wholesalers withdrawing supplies due to current exchange rate volatility, resulting in the inability of partners to procure items.
As of 27th April 2020, Syria reports 42 confirmed cases  ( 3 deaths )  in GCAs and there is one confirmed case of a person who died in NE Syria. Of 216 tests performed in NW Syria  ( as of 19th April 2020 ) , all have been negative.
Overall, gaps remain most extensive in informal settlements, informal camps as well as in collective centres outside Al Hasakeh city. In Deir Ez Zor alone, almost 3,000 HHs living in these last resort sites are currently not being covered with any COVID 19 related assistance
( NW 09/2020 )  Households in 98% of assessed communities were reportedly able to access some type of health service in their or nearby communities, despite more than 60% of assessed communities facing healthcare barriers due to the high cost or lack of transportation. However, pharmacies were the most common accessible type of health service, and 24% of assessed locations did not have access to primary care facilities.
Four cases of COVID 19 have been identified in northwest Syria, with the first positive result recorded in Bab Al Hawa on 9 July. Of the four cases, two are in the Idleb area and two in northern Aleppo governorate, and all four patients are health professionals
Despite limitations in an increasingly restrictive operational environment and suspension of Child Friendly Spaces  ( CFSs ) , child protection partners have strived to continue delivering services while incorporating where possible COVID19 prevention messages and messages on childcare in times of isolation and unpredictability. Child protection partners have continued to adapt key core interventions, such as psychosocial support, case management and child protection awareness raising
23,638 children supported with formal and non formal education in Idleb, Harim, Dana, Atareb, Salqin, Maaret Tamsrin and Qourqeena; including children with disabilities; 43,200 children supported with recreational kits, school bags, student kits and textbooks in Idleb and Aleppo. 4,150 children supported for their mid year exams;
Over the reporting period, the MoH announced that 3,325 people had been isolated over COVID 19 concerns since February, with 771 still in quarantine for further tests.
At least 69,388 children benefited from distance learning in Idleb and Aleppo governorates as an alternative way to continue education during the COVID 19 pandemic; In Idleb and Dana sub districts, 111,480 students and 654 teachers have been provided with awareness raising on COVID 19 and received information, education and communication  ( IEC )  and sterilisation materials;
As of 8 July, the MoH report around 9,331 tests have been conducted by the Central Public Health Laboratory  ( CPHL )  in Damascus and the public health laboratories in Aleppo, Lattakia and Homs, with an average of 288 tests performed per day in the reporting period
However, on 13 August, Jordanian authorities announced the closure of the Jaber border crossing point for one week effective immediately in an effort to curtail imported cases from Syria following a recent increase. International commercial passenger flights remain suspended however domestic commercial cargo and passenger flights are ongoing
One FSL Cluster members distributed US$ 536,400 multipurpose cash grants  ( MPCG )  to 4,470 people; o Three FSL Cluster members distributed 8,604 cooked meals to 8,604 people
The most recent repatriation flight reported was a second flight for approximately 250 Syrian nationals from India on 2 July. In recent weeks, a reported 2,000 Syrian nationals residing in Lebanon have also reportedly returned through land crossings, mainly Maasna border point
Restrictions remain in place at most other crossing points inside Syria. Abu Zendin, Um Jloud and Awn Dadat in Aleppo remain closed, as does Akeirshi and Abu Assi in Ar Raqqa. Al Taiha in Aleppo is reported open for commercial traffic. Ghazawiyet Afrin and Deir Ballut in Aleppo are reportedly open for commercial, military, and humanitarian cargo movement but closed to civilian crossings. On 20 July, Bab Al Hawa in Idleb partially re opened for humanitarian workers and emergency medical cases to cross to Turkey after a week's closure following reported cases of COVID 19 in Idleb.
23 people with COVID 19 have been identified in northwest Syria. Contact tracing has been activated and efforts continue to mitigate the spread of the virus and raise awareness about COVID 19 risks and precautions.
• In coordination with the WASH cluster and cluster lead agency, 2,360 posters and 48,010 stickers have been provided to 10 SNFI Cluster members to raise awareness in May. SNFI Cluster members also continue to provide awarenessraising sessions, either at an individual level or in small groups while maintaining social distancing, wearing protective equipment and avoiding the distribution of brochures. The Cluster supports the mapping of the gap of Personal Protective Equipment  ( PPEs ) , surveys have been conducted to monitor how much gap the members are reporting. Some Cluster members were able to provide protective equipment to their staff
He went on to note that the Committee brings together the Government of Syria, the opposition Syrian Negotiations Commission and the Middle Third List representing Syrian experts, civil society, independents, tribal leaders and women, and said its work has been on hiatus for nine months due to differences over its agenda and COVID 19 restrictions.
In addition, State/PRM partners are protecting IDPs and host community members in Syria from the direct and indirect impacts of COVID 19 by supporting community led heath and protection initiatives; undertaking awareness campaigns on risk, prevention, and hygiene promotion; providing medical consultations and distributing information at community clinics; scaling up life saving protection activities; and distributing relief, shelter, and WASH items
The current key priorities in Syria are: • Enhancing surveillance capacity, including active surveillance, with a critical need to expand laboratory capacity at the national and sub national level to test for timely detection; • Protecting health care workers by training and providing additional PPE; • Ensuring proper case management, isolation and contact tracing; and • Raising awareness and risk communication.
Across the region, access to health and adequate sanitation in the context of continuous displacement remains limited. In June, no positive COVID 19 cases were detected in north west Syria. Humanitarian actors are active in preparedness and response planning to ensure effective prevention and response to COVID 19 and, at the same time, continue delivering lifesaving humanitarian assistance.
The socio economic impacts of COVID 19, including from mitigation measures such as border closures and movement restrictions which were mainly implemented from March to May, have already affected large segments of the population. COVID 19 mitigation measures have added to the consistent macroeconomic decline of recent years, further spurred by the regional financial crisis in Lebanon
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 in light of inflation and the exchange rate volatility was being considered, and programme delivery would likely be delayed.
USAID/BHA partners have also adapted programming to incorporate social distancing and are disseminating public health and prevention messaging as part of COVID 19 mitigation efforts
Since 23 July local authorities have issued further directives aimed at curbing the spread of COVID 19. Included in this is a full curfew in Jazeera Canton, Al Hasakeh from 6 August for a period of at least two weeks, as well as bans on mass gatherings and movement restrictions between towns, cities and districts; the closure of all non essential shops/services, all local authority departments and limits on the operating hours of non essential medical services to four hours per day. Partial lockdowns have also been introduced in Ar Raqqa and Kobane. Local authorities have indicated they plan to make face coverings in public spaces mandatory across all areas of NES in the coming days.
USAID/BHA is supporting UNICEF and three NGOs to bolster COVID 19 health response capacity in Syria by establishing primary health care services in areas with limited health infrastructure, providing equipment to intensive care units and isolation facilities, and assisting effective infection and control practices.
In the context of the COVID 19 pandemic, expanding and establishing camps are essential to decongest overcrowded sites, while also ensuring that services are available in the new locations. In a coordination meeting in June, the Cluster and its members discussed the COVID 19 response in four reception centres that host 3,801 IDPs.
Over the reporting period, UNICEF, including in its capacity as the WASH cluster lead, continued to engage with the Health Sector and other actors to strengthen IPC in healthcare facilities, schools and learning spaces, youth centres and communities, in addition to its regular WASH services. UNICEF also continues to support light rehabilitation of WASH systems in hospitals across the country, with work completed at in eight facilities  ( including Al Hol ) , with seven other continuing
As the response expands, there is a greater need to both increase and decentralize testing, in order to accommodate more timely diagnosis of more samples from a greater range of geographical locations including NES.
To date, UNFPA has distributed 3,667 dignity kits and 5,859 sanitary napkins through partners in three governorates. Further in the reporting period, one partner distributed 1,817 sanitization kits in northern rural Homs. Another partner, in partnership with SARC, supported disinfection activities in a number of high traffic public spaces  ( bakeries, clinics )  in Deir Ez Zor
As part of the CCCM Cluster's monthly displacement tracking in May 2020, 74,894 displaced people were reported to have returned to their community of origin during May, with Ariha, Ehsem and Atareb recorded as the top three returnee destinations. In May, the CCCM Cluster tracked 41,328 recent displacements, noting that people may have been displaced multiple times and that the reasons for movement may vary.
On 5 April, a revised COVID 19 preparedness and response plan for north west Syria was issued, concentrating on scaling up capacities for prevention, early detection and rapid response to COVID 19 in Idleb and the Afrin and A'zaz to Jarablus area of northern Aleppo. Covering a minimum period of three months, from April to June 2020, the plan identifies a fundingrequirement of approximately US$ 35 million, primarily for IPC, case management, and risk communication and community engagement, while funding requirements to the end of 2020 have been projected to be some US$ 70 million.
As of 15 May, at least 129 samples have been collected in NES through three surveillance systems for testing. In some cases, multiple samples from the same individual have been collected.
206 caregivers and children  ( 77 girls, 48 boys, 33 women and 48 men )  were reached through awareness raising on child protection issues, including prevention from separation, in Aqrabat in Idleb governorate.
Based on inpatient data from previous years  ( 26 ) , we estimate that approximately 1935  ( 45% )  of these beds are available for COVID 19 admissions after accounting for normal hospital demand
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 88,900 during the first half of 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.
On July 23, three new cases were confirmed in Qamishli and one in Hasakah city, though the cases had been placed in home quarantine prior to their positive test results.
As part of the COVID 19 preparedness and response plan for northwest Syria and in collaboration with SNFI Cluster members, 316 tents were provided to be used as triage stations at health facilities in northwest Syria. The SNFI Cluster has also developed and widely shared its recommendations to mitigate the risks related to the COVID 19 outbreak for shelter and NFI activities. The recommendations have been updated and translated into Arabic
Essential government services have also reopened, including civil affairs, passports and traffic. Restaurants, cafes and all non essential shops remain partially closed. Food and essential commodity shops, pharmacies and private clinics remain open. Mosques have reopened for Friday prayers  ( although group prayers remain restricted ) , while churches were allowed to resume activities under strict health protocols. Facilitation measures in place for the movement of humanitarian staff and supplies have continued to be granted for humanitarian partners and SARC.
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.
Of the 46 fatalities in Government of Syria  ( GoS )  controlled areas, 37 were in Damascus; three was in Rural Damascus; two were in As Sweid'a; two were in Homs; one was in Aleppo; and one was in Qunietra;
As of 7 July 2020, northwest Syria has still reported no confirmed cases of COVID 19. With no outbreak on the horizon and an ongoing humanitarian crisis only exacerbated by restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the impending epidemic, COVID 19 preventive measures were relaxed in the region. The risk of a COVID 19 outbreak continues to be a possibility, however, as cases in the rest of Syria continue to rise  ( as of 7 July 2020, 372 confirmed cases and 14 deaths2  )  and many experts predict a second wave of global infections in the fall/winter of 2020/2021
Given that all the countries surrounding Syria have documented cases of the virus, there is little doubt that it has spread into the country. Already, many reports are coming out from Damascus of patients with symptoms consistent with the Coronavirus, while Pakistani authorities said on March 09 that six returnees from Syria had tested positive.
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
Restrictions on movement and limitations on commercial activities in some areas of NWS and NES, including on markets which had been introduced as a public safety measure to counter the spread of COVID 19, have contributed to the intensification of humanitarian needs, as well as the overall impact of the pandemic on the local economy While humanitarian actors have adapted their activities and procedures to mitigate COVID 19 related risks, certain activities had to be suspended to protect the affected population, as well as humanitarian workers.
[ 28th April 2020, NE Syria ]  Given the speed with which Covid 19 overtakes even the most sophisticated health systems, the UN Security Council should immediately reauthorize cross border aid operations from northern Iraq into northeast Syria through al Yarubiyah.
As of 4 August, the Syrian Ministry of Health confirmed that 892 people have tested positive, including 46 deaths.
To date, the Syrian MoH has reported 2,008 people with COVID 19. Of these, Damascus reported the highest number of cases  ( 730 ) , followed by Aleppo Governorate  ( 277 ) ; Rural Damascus  ( 256 ) ; Lattakia Governorate  ( 226 ) ; Homs  ( 161 ) ; AsSweida Governorate  ( 85 ) ; Tartous Governorate  ( 82 ) ; Quneitra Governorate  ( 63 ) ; Hama Governorate  ( 59 ) ; Dar'a Governorate  ( 39 ) ; Al Hassakeh  ( 26 ) ; as well as Deir Ez Zor  ( 4 ) . To date, the Syrian MoH has confirmed 82 deaths and 460 recoveries.
A total of 286 young people were reached with GBV, RH and healthy lifestyle awareness raising through various online platforms by UNFPA IPs. The activities covered topics related to COVID 19 prevention measures and GBV with a focus on the young people's role in raising awareness on COVID 19 amongst their peer groups.
Some localized lockdowns continue to be observed following identification of COVID 19 cases including in Rural Damascus and Quneitra. On 21 June, national high school exams commenced. As of 25 June, approximately 2,985 students had crossed into GoS controlled areas to sit their final high school exams and are being accommodated in 23 centres located in Aleppo  ( 1,020 ) , Ar Raqqa  ( 1,621 ) , Hama  ( 205 ) , Deir Ez Zor  ( 35 ) , Damascus and Rural Damascus governorates  ( 104 ) .
Aid workers operating in northeast Syria told Human Rights Watch that the region lacks a wide range of advanced and basic medical supplies, including those needed to prevent a Covid 19 outbreak.
[ 26th September, NW Syria ]  Health authorities recorded today 54 new infection cases with COVID 19 in north western Syria region, which is under the control of HTS and Turkish backed factions in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.
Despite the relatively low confirmed case count, the risk for COVID 19 in Syria remains high due to the fragile health care system, high levels of population movement and displacement, densely crowded IDP settlements, and the logistical difficulties of implementing isolation and protective measures across varying areas of control, according to the UN
UNICEF is also distributing cleaning supplies to protect health care staff and patients, and will continue disseminating information, education, and communication materials on COVID 19 prevention measures to vulnerable communities.
Main borders to Syria are closed or offer limited crossing options even for humanitarians. Borders with Lebanon and Jordan are closed to civilians. The crossing point with Lebanon remains open for humanitarian and commercial cargos. The JordanSyria border is completely closed, also sealing the remaining humanitarian access to Rukban from Jordan. Enhanced and sustained access to Rukban is being discussed from within Syria while negotiations to evacuate medical cases are ongoing.
All three crossing points across frontlines in the northern countryside of Aleppo are closed  ( Abu Zendin, Aoun al Dadat and al Hamran ) . Finally, the border between northeast Syria and Iraq also closed early March. Modalities for humanitarian access is being negotiated with parties to allow potential urgent medical evacuations of humanitarian NGO staff from the north east to Iraq, as well as the movement of humanitarian goods/supplies from Iraq to the north east
The presence of damaged and inadequate shelters affected nearly all communities in NES, and financial constraints reportedly remained the main challenge for households wishing to make repairs. In fact, KIs cited that repair materials and professional repair services were too expensive in 97% and 74% of communities where barriers were reported, respectively
At the national level, the UN has established a COVID 19 Crisis Coordination Committee, led by the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator  ( RC/HC )  with the WHO Representative for Syria serving as the Incident Manager, to closely engage with the GoS and other stakeholders in the implementation of the multi sectoral response.
The secondary healthcare intensive care unit  ( ICU )  and non communicable disease  ( NCD )  quality of care field mentoring team continue to provide field visits and technical support to the 15 ICUs and 17 general hospitals in NWS. During the reporting period, the distribution of ICU/NCD kits was reassessed and a session was conducted on the use of the medicines in the kits based on NCD guidelines and management protocols.