With 30 percent of the population in Idlib unable to access the Internet and smartphones, the “Distance Education' project cannot be seen as the best choice for all students.


( Gos 14/09/2020 )  increase in the price of a bundle of bread in the market  ( less than 2 kg )  from 50 to 1000 Syrian pounds  ( about half a dollar ) , after the decline of the Ministry of Internal Trade flour stocks, according to private sources from Damascus. The sources confirm that as a result of the scarcity of bread supply from government and private bakeries, and the decline in production by more than half, the price of bread jumped to record levels.

Impact->Impact on systems, services and networks


Local health services, suffering shortages of protection equipment  ( PPE )  and tests, as well as rampant corruption, are already overwhelmed.


[ 26 March, 2021, NWS ]  Due to the spread of COVID 19, several mothers have been refusing the use of Mid Upper Arm Circumference  ( MUAC )  tapes to screen their children for acute malnutrition.


Health Ministry announced on Wednesday that 75 new coronavirus cases were registered in Syria and 17 cases have recovered while 3 ones have passed away.

Humanitarian conditions->Physical and mental well being


[ April 19, GoS ]  Extending the suspension of the institutes affiliated to the Ministry of Education  ( Industrial, commercial, home economics, computer technology, sports, art and music education )  Until Saturday April 24, 2021, in compliance with the instructions of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.


[ November 2020 ]  Month on month  ( m o m ) , all 14 governorates reported an increasing average reference food basket price in November 2020. The highest m o m increase of 23 percent was reported in Idleb reaching SYP 130,743, while the lowest increase of eight percent was reported in both Rural Damascus and As Sweida reaching SYP 92,578 and SYP 95,764, respectively


[ 20th October NWS ]  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.


Moreover, between the start of the conflict and February 2020, 595 attacks were conducted on at least 350 separate health facilities, and 923 medical personnel were killed. 7 536 of these 595 attacks were conducted by the Government of Syrian  ( GoS )  and its allies.

Humanitarian access->Relief to population


[ 14th November 2020, Overall Syria ]  The ministry added in a statement to SANA that the total number of Coronavirus infections registered in the country till now has reached at 6613, out of which 2665 ones have recovered while 341 others have passed away.


The Ministry of Health, its directorates, public hospitals and first responders seem to have a very little information about the current status of COVID 19 in the country, as well as having very limited resources to conduct tests on a large scale.

Information and communication->Knowledge and info gaps (hum)


[ November 2020 ] In areas under the control of Syrian Regime forces, the Ministry of Health in November officially announced 2,159 cases of infection and 129 deaths.


[ December 14, GoS ]  While the government team asked governors not to grant licenses to any gatherings that would contribute to the spread of the Corona epidemic, and to activate the work of the committees previously formed in the governorates to monitor the field reality in terms of implementing government measures taken to address the epidemic, stressing on spreading social awareness and adherence to the imposed controls preventions, and intensifying media campaigns and awareness programs through various media.

Covid-19->Restriction measures
Covid-19->Prevention campaign


[ 14th January 2021, Syria ]  The spotlight to ensure an equitable distribution of the vaccine is on the international organizations and UN agencies that will partner with Syrian authorities to implement the vaccination plan.


Besides the postponement of the payment of taxes and bank loans, the Syrian government has still not offered a clear or comprehensive economic plan to support Syrian businesses. Many of these have already closed, while others are expected to follow in the weeks and months to come. The impact on their employees few of whom are registered with social security and can therefore claim any form of benefits is worrying, as the government has also not announced any form of compensation for the resulting job losses.


Analyze the impacts of COVID 19 crisis on critical food market systems This document focuses on critical food market systems; cereals, pulses, fruit and vegetables, meat, milk, fish and related products1 . In addition to analyzing the market based on food consumers, it is valuable to observe livelihood food related critical markets  ( such as the livestock, agriculture labor or seeds markets ) .

Priority interventions->Expressed by humanitarian staff


[ November 2020, NWS ]  KIs in 39% of communities reported a lack of employment opportunities for persons with a disability as a barrier to meeting basic needs


In 22% of assessed settlements, KIs reported that no one has access to handwashing facilities. In only 31% of assessed settlements did all IDPs reportedly have access to soap


n. If looking individually at each collective shelter, 56 collective shelters are found to have inadequate space per person in the sleeping areas. The majority of these centers are in Afrin  ( 16 )  and Dana  ( 16 )  collective shelters, with an additional 12 such collective shelters in Salqin sub district.


In addition, the KRC maintains six emergency field clinics across the area; however, these medical points are only staffed by nurses and suffer from shortages in equipment and generic drugs.


Three days earlier, the AANES had ordered the closure of all land crossings until further notice and a 14 day quarantine for people entering the area. People can enter the area only on humanitarian grounds. Various events attracting crowds have also been banned, such as funerals and weddings, while restaurants can now only provide delivery services. On July 29, movement restrictions were announced in the Hassakeh region after new suspected cases.


The COVID 19 crisis unfolds at a time when the number of acutely food insecure people in the world has already risen over the past four years, largely due to conflict, climate change and economic downturn. According to the latest Global Report on Food Crises  ( GRFC 2020 ) , in 2019 almost 135 million people across 55 countries experienced acute hunger. Since the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic in early 2020, these numbers have been further increasing. The UN Secretary General has recently warned about an impending global food emergency.


[ 9th Dec 2020, Overall Syria ]  As of December 9, 2020, there are 8,580 confirmed cases of COVID 19 in the country. This figure is only the tip of the iceberg due to limited testing capacity and lack of reliable information.

Humanitarian conditions
Capacities & response

Capacities & response->People reached/response gaps


[ Jan Sep 2020, al Hol camp  ]  Additionally, women within the al Hol camp camps are at high risk of domestic and sexual violence, as well as forms of exploitation, including threats of escalation and/or murder if a woman attempts to report abuses.


21 collective shelters have minor damages to the roofs, observing evidence of water leakages in the roofs but no major holes in the walls. Moderate damages to the roofs were observed at 5 collective shelters, observing holes in the roof and reporting that rain normally leaks into the dwelling.


Activities that continued with COVID 19 countermeasures included specialized services such as case management for high risk and individual cases and referrals for child protection, GBV and mine action, individual protection assistance and physical rehabilitation. Where feasible, psychosocial support, legal awareness raising, and counselling on housing, land, and property rights and civil documentation have also continued  ( in centres, via outreach, and in camps ) .

Capacities & response->International response


[ 17th September  ] , Overall Syria International commercial passenger flights remain suspended however domestic flights are ongoing. Tartous and Lattakia ports remain operational, with precautionary measures


[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  Working closely with WHO and MoH, the RCCE Group has developed and widely disseminated a multi component package, including a toolkit of key messages covering a wide range of issues related to COVID 19. The Group has also finalized online training materials in Arabic and trained several partners in NES and other parts of the country


[ 2nd November 2020, Overall Syria ]  In a statement to SANA, the ministry indicated that the total number of coronavirus infections registered in the country till now has reached at 5843, out of which 2061 ones have recovered while 295 others have passed away.


In this regard, life saving food assistance to 3.5 million people has continued with adjusted distribution modalities, as has agricultural and livelihoods programs. UNDP and partners have further focused on support for micro, small and medium enterprises for workers temporarily out of employment with social safety net activities, in addition to distribution of agricultural inputs and livestock to sustain food security in rural areas


[ 17th September , Overall Syria ] While the Protection sector reported a steep decline in interventions in March and April; in May to end July, just over one million people were reached with protection interventions


The government should publicly state its commitment to increasing testing capacities across the country, including in rural and nongovernment held areas, and take concrete steps to facilitate the development of more testing centers, that are equally accessible


On the 30th of last August, a medical aid plane provided by the Emirates Red Crescent to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent arrived at Damascus International Airport, including medicines, sterilization and testing materials for the Coronavirus.


The aid includes about 25 tons of medical materials and equipment, prevention supplies, and laboratory tests related to the Coronavirus / AGG, AGM and PCR tests / goggles, masks and medical gloves.


In terms of cooking fuel sources, the most commonly used fuel source is gas  ( reported at 76 collective shelters )  with various fuel sources being used within one collective shelter. Firewood  ( reported at 61 collective shelters )  is also a commonly used fuel source. Coal  ( 16 collective shelters ) , kerosene  ( 5 collective shelters ) , diesel  ( 2 collective shelters ) , and pomace/olive pit biomasss  ( 5 collective shelters )  are also mentioned.


[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  UNFPA further reached 6,312 people on awareness raising through mobile teams, in clinics, and in women and girls' safe spaces.


It is unclear how the government will be able to meet the challenge posed by the pandemic. The Syrian economy is largely destroyed, state institutions are barely functioning, and there does not seem to be any sustainable source of funding. There is no obvious limit to how low the economy can fall in the next few weeks and months.


Since July, the authority for making  [ public health ]  decisions has been decentralized to the local civil and municipal authorities,' the aid worker said. The result is an uneven administrative response to COVID 19, where “you have a relatively stringent lockdown' in Hasakah province, but in somewhere like Raqqa province, there is no “lockdown for all intents and purposes.


[ 22nd September 2020, Overall Syria ]  In a statement to SANA, the ministry indicated that the infections' toll of coronavirus in the country reached till now 3877, of which 983 ones have recovered while 3 others have passed away.


[ 30th September 2020, Overall Syria ]  In a statement to SANA, the ministry indicated that the total number of coronavirus infections registered in the country till now reached at 4200, of which 1103 patient have recovered while 200 ones have passed away.


Meanwhile, in northeastern Syria, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria  ( AANES )  confirmed on April 29 that two people, a husband and wife residing in the province of Hassakeh, tested positive for the virus.


Damascus, SANA  Health Ministry announced on Monday that 87 new coronavirus cases were registered in the country and 8 cases have recovered while 4 ones have passed away.


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.


Al Bukamal Al Quaem crossing is reported to be still closed from the Syrian side, and Ras al Ain border crossing also remains closed except in limited circumstances. Tabqa crossing point is reported as currently open to commercial and humanitarian cargo, and medical cases and students are also reported allowed to cross with a 14 day quarantine on arrival.


[  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

damascus tartous homs lattakia aleppo us


( 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.

Information and communication->Communication means and preferences


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.

damascus quneitra tartous hama homs lattakia aleppo us


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


National laboratory testing capacity for COVID 19 diagnosis has been expanded from one location – Damascus – to four  ( Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, and Lattakia ) ;


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


Although partial lockdowns have also been introduced in Ar Raqqa and Kobane, there are concerns that these do not go far enough with, for instance, restaurants in Raqqa still permitted to open for dine in customers and mass gatherings, including weddings and funerals, reported over the last week. The local authorities have indicated they plan to make face coverings in public spaces mandatory across all areas of NES in the coming days.


As also detailed in prior reports, UN agencies, specific sectors and partners continue awareness raising activities during existing programmes  ( such as distributions )  and/or as separate initiatives, including through social media campaigns.


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.

Priority needs->Expressed by humanitarian staff


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.


Shelter sector partners in coordination with MoLAE continue assessments  ( including interagency missions )  to determine needed repairs to address issues such as overcrowding, poor hygiene and inadequate sanitation facilities, with upgrades completed in 21 shelters to date.


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.


Since mid April, there have been 34 confirmed cases of COVID 19 in NES, resulting in one death and five recoveries as of 4 August. To date, there has been one confirmed cluster of COVID 19 cases, centered on the Al Amran neighborhood of Al Hasakeh. There has been no confirmed community level transmission reported.


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.


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 84,095 in June, 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


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.

damascus quneitra tartous hama homs lattakia aleppo syrian us


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

At risk->Risk and vulnerabilities
Impact->Driver/aggravating factors


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

Impact->Impact on people
Impact->Driver/aggravating factors


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.


Humanitarian personnel, students and medical cases are reported to be exempt but subject to a 14 day quarantine on arrival. It was further reported that humanitarian personnel with a quarantine certificate issued in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq  ( KRI )  do not have to undergo quarantine upon entering NES, if entry is within 48 hours of leaving quarantine in KRI.


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.


As of June 2020, general price level in the region saw an increase compared to 2019, mainly in Lebanon, Sudan and Syria  ( “crisis' level according to the Market Status indicator ) . The increase observed in these countries was mainly due to food price spikes, as the cost of the food basket in these countries more than doubled compared to June 2019. In addition, the three countries saw a sharp depreciation of their currency against the USD, mainly due to domestic socio political developments


In NWS  ( as of 11 June ) , as of 11 June, WHO delivered a consignment of 2,000 Viral Transport Medias  ( VTMs )  to a lab in Idleb  ( Dana )  for the COVID 19 response effort. A total of 41 facilities will be provided PPE  ( masks and surgical gloves )  for three months. PoEs requested supplies for two weeks, and 1,600 community health workers will be provided with supplies for one month.


In the reporting period, sectors continued support to students sitting national exams, including humanitarian support to students who travelled cross line to GoS controlled areas, including their safe return post exams. Partners are planning to provide support to a second batch of students to sit ninth grade national exams, expected to occur next month.


Working closely with WHO and MoH, the RCCE Group has developed and widely disseminated a multi component package, including a toolkit of key messages covering a wide range of issues related to COVID 19. The Group has also finalized online training materials in Arabic and trained several partners in NES and other parts of the country.


It is paramount that we identify gaps when health facilities are temporarily closed to ensure continuity of services and avoid any further deaths. This is important given the extraordinary circumstances of COVID 19 and PPE and human resource shortages.


( September23, NWS )  2.7 million internally displaced. Since December 2019 almost 1.4 million were forced to flee their homes, with many assisted in the camps and hosted by local communities.


As the economic downturn increasingly impedes the ability of households to meet their basic needs, financially motivated negative coping mechanisms are increasingly being adopted, including child labour, forced prostitution, forced abortions and early and forced marriages. The GBV subcluster is also reporting families marrying off their daughters repeatedly for short periods of time in exchange for money.


Over the reporting period, sectors have provided ongoing support to students sitting national exams, including humanitarian support to students who have travelled cross line to government controlled areas in Aleppo, Ar Raqqa, Hama and Deir ezZor governorates


USAID/BHA NGO partners in the northwest also continue to perform COVID 19 awareness raising activities, conducting nearly 5,900 awarenessraising sessions that reached more than 13,800 people in May.


Overall, the health infrastructure in Syria has taken a drastic hit, with a shortage of ICU beds, ventilators and testing kits, whether in opposition held Idlib, regime held areas or northeast under the control of the Syria Democratic Forces  ( SDF ) .


To expand testing capacity, the Cluster lead agency is procuring two more PCR machines. These are expected to arrive by mid July, in addition to laboratory supplies  ( DNA extraction kits )


During May, a USAID/BHA NGO partner distributed more than 3,400 hygiene kits to an IDP camp in Al Hasakah, benefitting approximately 2,700 households. The hygiene kits contained diapers, dish soap, disposable razors, sanitary pads, shampoo, and toothpaste. Additional soap, hand sanitizers, and cleaning products were added to the content of the kits, in line with COVID 19 preparedness efforts. In addition, another USAID/BHA NGO partner distributed hygiene kits and COVID 19 kits to 11 informal settlements in Ar Raqqah Governorate, benefiting approximately 2,000 households.


UNDP is supporting rehabilitation at three hospitals. PUI has completed light rehabilitation of WASH systems at isolation centres in Dar'a and Deir Ez Zor. As outlined in previous reports, WHO delivered 85 tons of medical supplies by road from Damascus to Qamishli, to be distributed to various health facilities and health authorities for health partners in NES. To date, 52 tons has been distributed to 17 hospitals, including seven in cross line areas, two private hospitals serving as referrals for Al Hol, six supported by NGOs operating in NES, and two hospitals in areas of government control.


[ 11th October 2020, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced that 45 new Coronavirus  ( COVID 19 )  cases have been registered in Syria ,and that 25 patients infected with the virus have been recovered while 3 others have passed away.


The majority of tests conducted have been on recent arrivals from Damascus  reportedly those showing symptoms  and the close contacts of the confirmed cases in Al Amran neighbourhood. All 12 samples collected and tested in the past two weeks were taken from recent arrivals to NES from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq  ( KRI )  via the Fishkabour Semelka border crossing. It is understood that these people were tested following a medical assessment  ( and application of case definition )  and/or positive Rapid Diagnosis Test  ( RDT ) .


Among the top priority needs for all returnees is access to health services  ( 48 percent ) , replacing education from the previous round. This may be associated with the growing COVID 19 related situation and increased awareness of accompanying health risks.


As detailed in previous reports, UNRWA continues to support increased sanitation activities through 120 sanitation labourers  ( 18 recently recruited )  at the nine official and accessible Palestine refugee camps  ( and one informal camp ) . In cooperation with GAPAR, water provision is currently being enhanced at the camps.


Stigma was an issue from the beginning, particularly when the first case was identified among a member of the health care workforce. Individuals started to assume that if you are a health care worker, then you must have COVID 19.' He emphasizes the resulting psychological stress and pressure on the health care workers to ensure the safety of their patients while continuing to provide essential services.


Over the reporting period, child protection and C4D teams reached 1,550 families in informal settlements in Ar Raqqa and 2,750 families in Areesha camp


RECOMMENDATIONS: Build on the COVID19 experience towards inclusive and flexible education systems that provide quality and relevance for all, and that yield better learning results. Allow the integration of refugee, internally displaced and returnee populations within the formal systems, better crisis planning for a potential second wave, expansion of multiple pathways to education that ensure all vulnerable children and youth are reached and develop foundation, life and technical skills for further learning, employment, active citizenship and empowerment. Invest in different modalities of education content dissemination  ( distance education, education TV, radio and online/offline platforms )  to ensure that all children have continued access to quality education content anywhere, anytime.


In addition, in the reporting period UNICEF completed an assessment to rehabilitate a new isolation centre in Damascus. Additional light rehabilitation of WASH facilities were also completed in the Dweir quarantine centre, with plans underway to expand capacity at the facility to 2,800 beds  ( from the existing 1,500 )  with the installation of 21 additional rub halls to be provided by WFP and UNHCR.


Damascus, SANA – The Health Ministry announced on Friday that 83 new Coronavirus  ( COVID 19 )  cases have been registered in Syria, and that 8 patients have recovered, while 3 others have passed away.


NGOs, in coordination with local authorities in the NES, have undertaken contact tracing of the two active cases. Despite the additional cases recently reported, curfew measures in NES have been relaxed since 30 May; all shops are now open between 6am and 3pm and there is an increased number of people on the streets.


Damascus, SANA Health Ministry announced on Monday that 67 new coronavirus cases were registered in the country while 18 ones have recovered.


The Ministry pointed out in a statement to SANA that the infections' toll registered in the country reached till now 1255, of which 364 cases have recovered and 52 ones have passed away.


Damascus, SANA Health Ministry announced Thursday that 75 new coronavirus cases were registered in the country while 10 others have recovered.


Damascus, SANA – The Health Ministry announced on Saturday that 78 new Coronavirus  ( COVID 19 )  cases have been registered in Syria, and that 5 patients have recovered while 2 others have passed away.


[ 17th September , Overall Syria ]  WHO is holding daily meetings in Damascus and weekly Health sector coordination meetings and operational calls to monitor implementation of the COVID 19 Preparedness and Response plan.


One week earlier, the director of the Damascus Burial of the Dead Office suggested that the pre pandemic daily mortality in Damascus during this period of the year was “approximately 40 deaths, a normal figure in the summer as deaths increase due to high heat.This estimate is in line with reports from 2016 by the same director that daily deaths are in the range of 15 50 deaths per day  ( 28 ) . Applying these broadly consistent pre pandemic baselines, we computed approximate excess mortality, and in turn infer the level of under ascertainment of COVID 19 deaths in Damascus.


To date, humanitarian partners have been informed by local authorities of 34 identified quarantine facilities and 50 isolation spaces in 13 governorates. 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.


UNICEF supported the campaign through the provision of vaccines and cold chain equipment, including solar power refrigerators to ensure the safety of vaccines under all circumstances.


[ 1st October, Overall Syria ]  Trend analysis and overview: In the two weeks between 16 September and 30 September, the number of confirmed COVID 19 cases in NES has increased by 66%, up from 1,008 confirmed cases as of 16 September  ( 647 active cases, 313 recoveries and 48 fatalities )  to 1,670 confirmed cases as of 30 September  ( 1,165 active cases, 439 recoveries and 67 fatalities )


[ 7th October 2020, Damascus ]  While there are no independent figures for the number of new coronavirus cases and deaths in Syria, Badir's account chimes with reports from some NGOs and aid workers who say the official data reflect a small fraction of the real toll.


The talks resumed Monday after a nine month break due to disagreements over the agenda and then restrictions imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.


Officials say all members are in quarantine in their hotel rooms for a period ranging from two to 10 days. During this period, they are to communicate virtually with each other and the U.N. Special Envoy.


The new regulations also stipulate that travellers to Lebanon should also take the test no later than 24 hours before the time of their flight.


Of the 24 health clinics in Al Hol, only 15 are currently able to provide health care. In addition, two field hospitals were forced to suspend operations in early August due to confirmed COVID 19 cases among health staff in one – and lack of PPE in another – while a third field hospital has been out of action for the past six months.


The UN has expressed concern about the spread of the coronavirus in a country where the health infrastructure has been shattered by war and medical supplies are limited.


WHO has provided testing kits to the MoH since 12 February. To date, WHO has provided enzyme kits  ( 31,240 reactions ) , extraction kits  ( 47,250 reactions ) , screening kits  ( 62,992 reactions )  and confirmatory testing kits  ( 1,920 tests ) , 52,000 swabs and viral transport medium for sample collection, five polymerase chain reaction  ( PCR )  machines and two extraction machines, in addition to 5,000 waste bags and 21,000 bags for samples, and PPE for staff. WHO has further supplies and equipment in the pipeline, including four GeneXpert machines. In addition, UNHCR has procured one GeneXpert machine.


[ November 5 ,2020 Northwest Syria ]  Today, “suspected cases are reported by doctors in health facilities and then transferred through the referral system to community isolation centers, where samples are collected, and a PCR analysis is performed to determine the result


Less than two months after the first announcement of a positive Covid 19 case in Syria, the Ministry of Health said on April 14 that the number of Syrians who tested positive had reached 29, up from 19 a week earlier, while the number of deaths was still two and the number of people who recovered had increased to five. All positive cases reported so far are within government controlled areas.

Casualties->Dead
Shock/event->Type and characteristics


[ October 1,2020 Overall Syria ]  At the governorate level, Al Hasakeh and Ar Raqqa reported the highest levels of market inaccessibility due to the pandemic. In both governorates, 38 percent of households reported challenges in accessing markets in July 2020; the proportion reached 35 percent and 32 percent in September 2020, respectively.


For COVID 19, there's still a need to secure personal protective equipment  ( PPE )  and infection control and hygiene items for medical staff and community health workers  ( CHWs ) . • There is a continue urgent need to increase the COVID 19 testing capacity by bringing more PCR kits, extraction kits and viral transport equipment. There will be more demand on testing in the next period as a result of people fearing being infected, for tracing contacts and for expanding screening to identify and contain the virus.


Breakdown of the cases is as follows: 32 cases, including medical staff in HTS held areas in Idlib, parts of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia, and 31 cases in the areas controlled by Turkish backed factions, north of Aleppo.


While recovery cases in north western Syria have risen to 52.


The number of days from the onset of symptoms to laboratory test ranged from zero  ( on the very day of symptoms onset )  to eight days. Six cases had their laboratory test taken on the day of symptoms onset, and 18 cases had their laboratory test for COVID 19 taken within 1 to 2 days after the symptom's onset day. Sixteen  ( 52% )  cases recovered by the end of July, with duration of illness ranging from 12 to 18 days. However, 12 cases recovered after 13 days, with only one case having recovered after 18 days.


One factor with the divergence between official figures and reality is the low levels of testing taking place in the country. According to the latest UN update, the Syrian Ministry of Health's testing is returning a mere 5.9% positivity rate. However, when we compare the stated average daily tests and average daily infections, the resulting rate should be closer to 15%. Presently, just 509 tests are being conducted per day according to the UN.


[ September 2020,Overall Syria ]  In September, 46 percent of interviewed households reported not being able to purchase the necessary medicines, with the highest recorded among female headed households  ( 52 percent ) , due to lack of financial resources  ( 67 percent )  and shortage of medicines in pharmacies  ( 30 percent ) .


[ 14/02/2021, Overall Syria ]  Reliable medical sources in the Syrian regime held areas have told the Syrian Observatory that 28,000 new confirmed coronavirus cases were recorded in the last few days, while 900 new deaths were recorded in the same period.


[ January 2021, Ar Raqqa Governorate ]   [ Mahmoudli Camp Overview: No. of Individual: 10,277 ]  % of children aged 6 17 accessing education services is 37%.


[ 6th september,Overall Syria ]  Riza said there had been a 10 fold spike in infections in Syria in the two months since he had last briefed staff, referring to health ministry figures that said there had been 3,171 cases and 134 deaths since the first case had been reported on 23 March.


[ 1st October, NorthEastSyria ]  Geographic overview: The majority of confirmed cases of COVID 19 in NES continue to be reported in Hassakeh Governorate. While the highest total number of confirmed cases continues to be recorded in the districts of Hassakeh and Qamishli, the most significant increase in confirmed cases over the last two weeks have been in Raqqa


Head of the Health Center in Damascus International Airport Dr. Khuzama Zrieq said in a statement to SANA that upon the passengers' arrival, the medical team recorded their data and examined them to ensure that they have no apparent symptoms of Coronavirus infection.


According to Observatory statistics, the number of confirmed cases, since July 9 to date, rose to 50, including two doctors were residing in Turkey.


By tracking the numbers of officially registered cases announced by the Ministry of Health, it is noticed that the number of registered cases in Damascus and its countryside has decreased during the past days from ninety percent to 35 percent, according to Dr. Al Amin, while the number of cases has increased in other provinces, pointing out that the death rate among the infected cases that have been admitted to al Mouwasat Hospital reached 3%, which is identical to the global percentage.


[ 23 Oct 2020 ]   [ NWS ]  New cases: 214 | Total cases: 3975 | New tests: 531 | Total tests: 21138 | New recoveries: 58 | Total recoveries: 1546 | Total active cases: 2395 | New deaths: 0 | Total deaths: 21


[ 9th october overall syria ]  While 36 cases have been recovered in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of recovery cases to 893.


The World Health Organization  ( WHO )  has strengthened the referral system capacity through its implementing partners, by increasing human resources to more than 100 paramedics, nurses and decontamination workers and by deploying 20 additional referral vehicles supplied with equipment and PPEs.


Also, some CCTCs in some areas, where the cases were reported, were not still functional. More as a challenge, the referral pathway was not clear for the health staff working in non COVID 19 health facilities on how and where to refer cases; ongoing work on a protocol for referral pathway to be part of training package for triage points and COVID 19's designated hospitals.


Three weeks ago, Syria in Context reported that the government's figures vastly understate the scale of the outbreak and estimated that there are likely at least 85,000 cases in Damascus alone.


The northwest has conducted 5,160 Coronavirus tests, 61 of which have returned positive. In northeast Syria there are 400 cases so far, indicating rapid spread in the region


oday's outcome, which was announced during a videoconference meeting*, followed four failed attempts in the past week to renew authorization for the cross border mechanism, which expired on 10 July.  ( See Press Releases SC/14244 of 8 July and SC/14246 of 10 July. )


A shortage of agricultural labour, especially skilled labour was reported due to travel restrictions, increased cost of transport, curfew and risk of getting infected with the virus.


Several health facilities have suspended operations due to capacity issues and to staff contracting the virus. Some are in areas already among the most underserved when it comes to healthcare.


( 22 sep,idleb, northern aleppo  )  Since April 2020, MSF teams have distributed more than 63,000 hygiene kits, including items such as soap and detergent, to over 26,000 displaced families in several camps across Idlib governorate and northern Aleppo governorate.


[ 29th December 2020, Syria ]  The curve of recorded infections with the Coronavirus in Syria declined during the current week, after it has witnessed a noticeable rise in the middle of this month, with the largest number of infections that hit 169 ones on the 18th of the month according to the Health Ministry statistics.


In 4th of last May, Syrian Airlines started to run flights to evacuate Syrian citizens willing to return from abroad to Syria, according to lists that were registered by Foreign and Expatriates Ministry at the embassies and diplomatic missions.


[ 20th December, 2020, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Monday that 136 new coronaviruses were registered in Syria and 56 cases recovered while 12 patients passed away.


As of the afternoon of 27 August, it was understood that contact tracing had not yet begun. Health partners have recommended that the close family of the confirmed case are placed in supervised quarantine due to the high risk that they have been exposed to COVID 19.


Overall approximately 30% of all samples are testing positive, with the WHO advising that a case positivity rate above 5% indicates that there is not enough testing  ( i.e. not sampling enough people to adequately reflect the prevalence of infection among the community )


Today, health authorities recorded 13 new cases of the Coronavirus in northwestern Syria, 8 cases were distributed in Al Bab, two in Jarablus, one in Azaz, one in Afrin, and one infection in Idlib.
According to the statistics of the Syrian Observatory, the number of casualties since the 9th of July until today has risen to 151, and they are: two doctors who were residing in Turkey, and 58 people, including medical personnel in the areas of influence of the Hayat Tahrir Al Sham in Idlib and parts of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia, and 91 infected in areas of The influence of the pro Turkish factions north of Aleppo.


Due to the first cases of COVID in Tabqa, movements in and out of Mahmoudli camp have been halted for 14 days starting from 25 August  ( with humanitarian exemptions ) , and educational/CFS activities have been paused.


[ 5th October ]  The cases are distributed across all Syrian provinces. However, most of the deaths and infections have been in Aleppo, Damascus and Rif Dimashq.


[ 24th September 2020, Syria ] Cramped living conditions in refugee camps, limited hygiene facilities, medical care and education about the virus's dangers do not bode well as winter approaches.


[ 24th September 2020, NW Syria ]  North western Syria, where up to 4 million people, many of them internally displaced, are crammed into a corner of a broken country, is seen as one of the most at risk parts of the world.


[ 24th September 2020, Idleb ]  Idlib's camps for internally displaced people account for about 20% of those who had travelled from elsewhere in Syria to the country's last anti government stronghold, where hospitals have largely been destroyed over the past five years by Syrian and Russian jets.


[ 27th August  ] Areehsa: On the evening of 25 August, a 25 year old woman from Areesha camp was confirmed as positive. This woman was one of 6 suspect cases identified by a doctor, all of whom were close contacts of 2 health staff who were working in Areesha camp and confirmed as positive on 18 August


The management of "Al Kinana" Hospital in the city of Daret Azza in western Aleppo have applied quarantine on the hospital, along with all people inside it, after the confirmation of a COVID 19 case inside the hospital. Also, the management of "Al Amal" hospital in Jarablus city have decided to close the hospital for 14 days, and asked all hospital staff to adhere to quarantine at home.


[ November 21, NES, lockdown ]  6  All media institutions shall guide and educate citizens to adopt methods of personal protection and distance Socialize and make it a part of their daily life until the end of this epidemic.


 [ January 2021, Ar Raqqa Governorate ]   [ Mahmoudli Camp Overview: No. of Individual: 10,277 ]  Average monthly household income is 1,34,544 SYP  ( 47 USD ) . Average monthly household expenditure is 1,46,083 SYP  ( 51 USD ) . Top three reported expenditure categories:
  Food: 100%
  Healthcare: 86%
  Transportation: 77%


[ 23rd September 2020, Overall Syria ]  The number of people who have tested positive in northeast Syria surged by around 50 percent in a week, the highest weekly increase since the beginning of the spread of the pandemic in the country.


Deir ez Zor: Over the past week, there has only been 1 new confirmed cases of COVID 19 in Deir ez Zor. As in other areas, the low number of confirmed cases does not necessarily reflect the actual scale or scope of transmission in Deir ez Zor. As previously mentioned, there are particular concerns around people entering SDF controlled areas from GoS areas via informal crossing points, given the absence of any monitoring/ screening mechanisms in place. It is understood that the first 2 confirmed cases of COVID 19 in Deir ez Zor had entered NES from GoS areas via an informal crossing point.


Movement of supplies  ( KRI to NES ) : NGOs are able to ship humanitarian supplies through the usual procedure on Tuesdays. NGOs are encouraged to report any challenges to the NES Forum through a designated reporting mechanism


Movement restrictions in NES: As of 28 August, curfew/lockdown measures are no longer implemented in any governorate in NES. Humanitarian partners continue to adhere to self imposed limitations on movements, including working from home, working in shifts, reducing non essential field visits/ meetings and, in camps, supporting a more localized response among camp residents


Individual isolation spaces: As noted, COVID 19 isolation facilities should also be equipped to treat suspect cases with more severe symptoms. The installation of individual isolation units is therefore critical. Training and staff capacity: There is a need to establish dedicated training plans to bolster clinical care capacity, particularly for severe and critical cases. o Staffing: As mentioned in the previous section, acute shortages in staffing continue to create challenges in activating COVID 19 facilities and contribute to cross contamination between health facilities. It is imperative that staff working in COVID facilities do not also work in non COVID facilities to reduce this risk of contamination.


Aleppo: Over the past week, there have been only 2 additional confirmed cases of COVID 19 in Kobane, in addition to the 20 cases confirmed over the previous three weeks. In Menbij, it is understood that only a handful of samples have been collected and transferred to the Qamishli laboratory for testing. This is likely related to the extensive use of RDTs in Menbij  ( even relative to other areas of NES )  with only RDT positive cases initially referred for PCR testing through the Rapid Response Teams  ( RRTs ) . After extensive advocacy on this issue, it is now understood that the use of RDTs has been discontinued in Menbij. The Menbij Health Committee maintains that the low number of confirmed cases in Menbij is attributed to effective control measures, including at Points of Entry  ( POE )


[ 28th April 2020, NE Syria ]  The actual number of cases is likely much higher, due to the lack of available testing in the northeast.


Due to short time frame and COVID 19 restrictions, it was decided that over the phone KIIs are the most efficient and safe way to obtain the information from the community.


[ 6th october overall syria ]  While 44 cases have been recovered in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of recovery cases to 751.


As of 27 August, it is understood that there have been at least 23 hospitalizations, 20 in Washokani  ( 1 suspect case and 6 confirmed cases currently admitted, 7 deaths and 6 discharged )  and 3 in Tabqa


As of 8 August, 217 swab samples  ( Hassakeh 3, Deir ez Zor 92 and Raqqa 122 )  have been collected in response to alerts received through the EWARN system. These samples have been transferred to Idleb for testing, with 5 cases testing positive: 2 in Raqqa and 3 in Deir ez Zor. As per the latest report, 5 of the samples  ( 4 from Raqqa and 1 from Deir ez Zor )  were pending at the time of writing. Further information is being sought on these cases to understand whether they have also been recorded under the SA surveillance and testing mechanism


Regarding precautionary measures, Mansour indicated that floor stickers are being used to remind people of social distancing at the airport and inspection areas. No two travellers can sit next to each other and face mask must be worn. Passengers are allowed to board only through the public gate area, with very few exceptions.


Mansour added that the quarantine and hotel reservation requirement have been canceled. However, if a traveller is showing symptoms, they would have to take a PCR test before going home and wait for the Ministry of Health team to follow up with them.


[ 5th October  ]  Meanwhile, most of the infection cases and deaths are still documented in the provinces of Aleppo, Damascus and Rif Dimashq, amid disastrous medical situation.


The continued financial crisis in Lebanon, international economic sanctions on Syria, COVID 19, decline in remittances into Syria, and internal disputes between actors in Syria were reported as the main causes for the continuously high SYP/USD informal exchange rate in August


On Saturday evening, the Health Ministry announced that 30 new coronavirus  ( COVID 19 )  cases have been registered in Syria, and that 15 patients infected with the virus have recovered, while two patients have passed away. The ministry said in a statement published by SANA that the total number of coronavirus cases registered in Syria has reached 3,506, of which 827 patients have recovered and 152 have passed away.


In the absence of sufficient testing, doctors are trying to diagnose cases based on chest X rays and other symptoms, sending patients home to quarantine and care for themselves, according to the medical students and patients' relatives.


In terms of humanitarian assistance,precautions enacted by humanitarian actors prior to the identification of COVID 19 cases in northwest Syria continue to be implemented and strengthened, to safeguard both staff and local communities. Work is ongoing to intensify interventions to strengthen infection prevention and control at health facilities as means to protect healthcare workers and prevent transmission from healthcare service delivery points, which is of high priority.


[ 1st October, overall Syria ]  There are particular gaps in gloves  ( all types ) , face shields, disposable aprons and goggles. Gaps are due to a number of factors including global supply shortages, difficulty in procuring some items on the local market and challenges related to the import of certain items from KRI


( Overall Syria, March August,2020 )  In Syria, UNHCR phone counselling with refugees and IDPs indicated that health costs were among the greatest impediments to accessing care, which many are unable to afford.


[ 14th October 2020, Overall Syria ]  Health Ministry announced on Wednesday that 57 new coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, and that 25 patients have recovered while 3 others have passed away.


(  [ 1st October, Hasakeh  ]  Of these, 94 cases  ( 39% of all cases among health wokers )  were recorded in Hassakeh city  ( with cases continuing to be reported among staff working at the three main hospitals in the city ) .


( Overall Syria, 23rd September 2020 )  Poverty situation due to covid: The poverty situation today, particularly after the COVID 19 pandemic, may have further deteriorated due the further declines in income per capita and is expected, according to a recent ESCWA study to further deteriorate by 2021  ( ESCWA, 2020 ) .


( September23, NWS )  As such, it is vital to sustain funding and use every means available to ensure the timely and planned delivery of lifesaving assistance, especially given the added COVID 19 restrictions.

Priority interventions->Expressed by population


[ 2th october,2020 Overall Syria ]  Health authorities have recorded today 66 new coronavirus cases in north western Syria, which is under the control of HTS and Turkish backed factions in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.


[ 1st October, Overall Syria ]  Local COVID Committees: There have also been 7 local COVID committees established across NES  ( Hassakeh, Qamishli, Deir ez Zor, Tabqa, Raqqa, Menbij and Kobane ) . These committees provide operational leadership at the local level, with a focus on RCCE, case investigation and RRT deployment, IPC among health workers/ at health facilities.


[ 5th October 2020, Syria ] The financial crisis in neighbouring Lebanon, as well as coronavirus restrictions and new US sanctions, have all contributed to Syria's current economic instability, making the price of bread a grim new measure of the country's financial troubles.


[ 1st October, overall Syria ]  Against the backdrop of acute shortages in health staff in NES  ( i.e. which precede COVID )  and with the rate of transmission in NES likely to continue to rise over the coming weeks and months, there are concerns that the health system could collapse if more health workers become infected


[ 1st October, overall Syria ]  EWARS: As of 28 September, 185 swab samples  ( Hassakeh 123, Deir ez Zor 55, Raqqa 7 )  are understood to have been collected in response to an undisclosed number of alerts received through the MoH/ WHO EWARS system


[ 1st October, overall Syria ] As such, the vast majority the 54 positive cases have also likely been confirmed positive by the SA  ( i.e. these 54 positive cases are part of the 1,670 positive cases recorded by the SA, not in addition to )


[ April 18, Dar'a ]  Local resources added that the occupancy rate in Busra Al Sham Hospital has reached 100 percent, and that the medical staff announced that a number of its members have been discharged to visit patients in their homes rather coming to hospitals.


[ 28 APR, GoS ]  Health Ministry stated that 124 new coronavirus cases were registered in Syria, while 186 patients have recovered and 11 have passed away.


[ September 2020, Rural Homs ]  We also rehabilitated four primary schools in Jawalek and Snaisel villages in rural Homs, as well as rehabilitated the electrical power network and the water pumping stations that will benefit 2,000 returnees.