MECC Coronavirus (COVID 19) Weekly Report

SYRIA: COVID-19

Reporting period: from 23 to 29 November 2020

Coronavirus cases: 7715 Active cases: 3862 Recovered: 3444 Deaths: 409[1]

HIGHLIGHTS

As of 28 November, the Syrian Ministry of Health (MoH) reported 7715 laboratory-confirmed cases, 3862 recoveries and 409 deaths.
In GoS-controlled areas of the country,7715 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported by the Syrian MoH as of 28 November. Of these, 7 were in Ar-Raqqa; 22 in Deir-Ez-Zor; 35 in Al-Hasakeh; 101 in Quneitra; 354 in Hama; 381 in Tartous; 394 in Dar’a; 399 in As-Sweida; 717 in Lattakia; 865 in Rural Damascus; 1212 Homs; 1407 in Aleppo; 1765 in Damascus.
In northwest Syria, The number of people infected with COVID-19 in northern Syria has doubled to reach over 13.5K. The needs are massive and the actual number of active cases remains unknown.[2]

According to Amnesty International. "Syria's crumbling health system was already at breaking point before the pandemic. Now, the lack of transparency about the scale of the COVID-19 outbreak, inadequate distribution of personal protective equipment, and lack of testing is further endangering health workers and the general population”[3].
The Minister of Health met the Pontifical Ambassador in Damascus Cardinal Mario Zinari and appreciated the Vatican's assistance to the health sector facing challenges in light of the Corona pandemic.[4]
The governorate of Tartous has taken strict measures to combat the spread of the Corona virus after the high number of infections in the governorate, through requiring all public and private transport users, internal transport, railways and maritime transport (between Tartous and Arwad Island) to wear a mask and impose a fine on the driver of up to 25 thousand pounds, who allow passengers to board without mask.[5]

Reporting period: from 23 to 29 November 2020

Coronavirus cases: 126,944 Deaths: 1,004 Recovered: 76,774

Highlights

Due to economic matters and the fact that the lockdown did not succeed in reducing the numbers of infected, Lebanon ended the lockdown without any extension of the timeframe.
During this reporting period, Lebanon registered an average of 1569 cases per day.
66 State Security personnel were reported to have been infected with the Coronavirus

Risks

Gatherings shopping spree of upcoming Christmas celebrations.
Violations of the Ministry of Interior Decision No. 1432: promenade on the sea corniche, violations of authorized and single motor vehicle traffic, and violations of commercial establishments and stores that did not adhere to the decision.
Failure to comply with the preventive measures and procedures required in a number of stores and markets (putting on a mask or face mask, sterilizing hands, maintaining a safe distance).
Failure of those in contact with confirmed cases to adhere to home isolation procedures until the results of the laboratory tests are issued.

Preparedness and response

Within the context of the Ministry of Public Health’s plan to increase the number of intensive care beds in Corona departments in governmental hospitals in various Lebanese regions, the Minister of Public Health conducted a field inspection in both Hasbaya Governmental Hospital and Rashaya Governmental Hospital to keep up with their provision of special sections for new Corona cases.
The Minister of Public Health announced that the Ministry is continuing to implement its plan to increase the number of intensive care beds in governmental hospitals in various Lebanese regions, to reach the total number of 266 beds, and stressed on the importance of the cooperation of private hospitals, so that 4 to 6 intensive care beds are prepared in 50 hospitals.
The Ministry of Public Health began conducting Rapid Antigen examinations for those who complain of symptoms, which are accurate examinations whose results are issued after a third of an hour and help determine the type of infection if it is Corona or influenza. The Ministry is in the process of conducting random PCR examinations this week to assess the epidemiological reality in the community.
The scientific committee formed by the Minister of Public Health to follow up with COVID-19 vaccines is intensifying its work to prepare a mechanism for approving, registering, receiving and distributing vaccines, monitoring side effects, monitoring the cold chain and everything related to maintaining the quality of the vaccine.

[1] Microsoft power MOH, 28 Nov

[2] World vision, 25 Nov

[3] Amnesty.org

[4] Ministry of health, 25 Nov[5] RT, 25 Nov