MECC Coronavirus (COVID 19) Weekly Report
SYRIA: COVID-19
Humanitarian Update No. 22
Reporting period: from 17 to 23 August 2020
Coronavirus cases: 2217 Active cases: 1,623 Recovered: 505 Deaths: 89 [1]
Highlights
The Health Ministry announced on Sunday August 23th, that 74 new Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been registered in Syria, and that 15 persons infected with the virus have recovered while 4 others have passed away. This brings the total number of Coronavirus cases in the country to 2217 cases, while recoveries reached 505, and the death toll reached 89.[2]
Of the cases announced to date by the Syrian MoH, 76 are reported to be healthcare workers; the majority in Damascus.
As of 17 August, a total of 51 cases have been identified in NWS, comprising 44 recoveries and seven active cases. A total 4,611 samples were collected from NWS (Aleppo 2,110 and Idleb 2,501) of which 4,605 samples have been tested by RT-PCR, with 6 pending.
Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases in NES continues to rise. As of 19 August, some 280 cases have been reported, including 36 recoveries and 16 fatalities. The highest concentration of cases is in Hassakeh Governorate, particularly Hassakeh city and Qamishli city, with Qamishli witnessing the highest increase in confirmed cases over the past week.
The MoH reported that more than 21,070 tests have been conducted (15,850 in Damascus; 2,109 in Homs; 1,940 in Aleppo; and 1,171 in Lattakia, with a current average of 509 tests performed per day.
During the reporting period, the positivity rate–that is the prevalence of positive cases compared to the number of tests conducted–increased to 5.9 per cent.
Humanitarian actors have continued to receive unverified reports concerning additional possible cases, and information indicating that in some areas, existing healthcare facilities have been unable to absorb all suspected cases and/or healthcare facilities are suspending surgeries or adapting wards to accommodate increased numbers of COVID-19 patients. Unverified reports have also been received of a rise in obituaries, death notices and burials.[3]
A reported 2,000 Syrian nationals residing in Lebanon have also reportedly returned through land crossings, mainly Maasna border point.
Pumping water from the Alouk station in the countryside of Ras al-Ain has been stopped, which led to a stifling water crisis in the availability of drinking water for about one million residents of Hasaka and its countryside. Especially in light of the dangers of the spread of the Corona virus, as residents resorted to unhealthy alternative solutions, such as buying water from tanks and using unclean well.[4]
Access restrictions
The Jaber border crossing point was reported to be closed by Jordanian authorities for one week since 13 August, in an effort to curtail imported cases from Syria following a recent increase.
Tabqa crossing points 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. while, Al-Bukamal-Al Quaem crossing is reported to be still closed from the Syrian side, and Rasal-Ain border crossing also remains closed except in limited circumstances. Al-Taihain 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.
Preventive measures
The Cabinet decided to open schools on the 13th of next September, after reviewing the health protocol submitted by the Ministry of Education to address the Corona pandemic during the new school year.[5]
On 16 August, the GoS announced new entry requirements for individuals arriving from official border crossing points with Lebanon following presentation of a negative PCR certificate at the border.
Although partial lockdowns have also been introduced in Ar-Raqqa and Kobane, there are concerns that these do not go far enough with, The local authorities have indicated they plan to make face coverings in public spaces mandatory across all areas of NES in the coming days.
Preparedness and response
Since the earliest cases of COVID-19 were identified in the region, a total of 159 hospitals and PHC (primary health care) centres have been equipped with COVID-19 triage systems, and four health facilities across northwest Syria have been designated and prepared as COVID-19 community-based treatment centers.
During the reporting period, reports were received that the 4 specified centres in Damascus in which Syrian nationals could obtain PCR tests were replaced with two new centers (Al-Jalaa and Tishreen sports city), in addition to one dedicated to UN staff and diplomats.[6]
During the reporting period, WHO also provided a range of COVID-19 related medical equipment to hospitals in Aleppo and Damascus, the Ministry of Health and SARC, including 10 pediatric resuscitators, three laryngoscopes for newborns, nine ventilators, nine respiratory humidifiers and one mobile x-ray unit.
During the reporting period, a 57-bed isolation centre at Washokani informal settlement came online.
Outreach volunteers also conducted 1,991 physical visits, with appropriate precautions, to the most vulnerable individuals who could not be reached through other modalities.
Over the reporting period, UNHCR supported two community-led initiatives in Jebel Saman, Aleppo reaching 150 children and youth, including 40 adolescent girls with information on COVID-19 and hygiene kits.
UNHCR also provided awareness raising and protection support to 2,027 outreach volunteers across thirteen governorates, reaching 46,924 persons of concern through a variety of platforms.
In NWS (as of 16 August), WHO has distributed a one-month supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) material to one isolation Intensive Care Unit hospital and three COVID-19 Community Treatment Centers (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.
To date, humanitarian partners have been informed by local authorities of 34 identified quarantine facilities and 50 isolation spaces in13 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 intensive care units (ICUs) beds, and 155 ventilators. The 30 quarantine centres are reported to have 5,774 beds.
During the reporting period, information was received that authorities intend to close quarantine centers in order to focus resources on case management.
To date, 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.
In NES, there are up to 22 prepared isolation centres for moderate-severe cases, with six currently operational (approximately 309 out of 975 available beds). During the reporting period, a 57-bed isolation centre at Washokani informal settlement came online; plans are underway to double the capacity.[7]
Lebanon: COVID-19
Humanitarian Update No. 19
Reporting period: from 19 to 24 August 2020
Coronavirus cases: 12,698 Deaths: 123 Recovered: 3,625
Highlights
During this reporting period, the number of corona cases reached a new record of 628 cases per day on the 21st of August with an average of 588 per day.
The caretaker government’s health minister declared that many neighborhoods have been isolated.
Despite the lockdown and the various measures implemented, COVID-19 continues to spread unabated.
Updated measures
The Ministry of Health requested all doctors observing the medical personnel to refrain from entering cold cases into hospitals for a period of 15 days and limit them to emergency cases, and to work empty hospital beds of similar cases of recovery that do not require staying in, in order to preserve the health of patients and medical staff from the spread of infection.
The Ministry of Health requested all health observers in the staff of the Ministry of Health to join the epidemiological surveillance team and track cases through the Health Protection Directorate in accordance with the instructions of the direct chiefs and district doctors.
On 21/8/2020, the Ministry of Interior issued Memorandum No. 86 / M / 2020 related to clarifying some of the paragraphs in the General Closing Decision No. 1003, where some exceptions were added in Article Three of the decision where employees of Touch and Alfa were added, and the exchange shops. In addition to adjusting the opening times of libraries.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education issued on 19/8/2020 Decision No. 377 / M / 2020 stipulating that all educational institutions, public and private, in all their stages, stop teaching and conducting exams in presence during the period from 21/8/2020 to 7/9/2020.
Risks
Gathering of citizens in hiking areas without committing to preventive measures.
Non-compliance of restaurants with overcrowding and no shisha policies.
Non-compliance of citizens with preventive measures.
Social gatherings and celebrations.
Preparedness and response
The ISF (Internal Security Forces) is currently isolating Tariq al Jadidah, supporting municipality in Ard jalloul isolation in Beirut, Burj al Barajneh, Hay el Akrad in Baabda (Handled by Municipality), Majdel zoun neighborhood in Tyre, Jal al-Hayuk neighborhood in Bent Jbeil, and Dariaa in Shouf.
The army carried out patrols in different Lebanese regions, distributed food boxes to families in need (CIMIC) and dispersed gatherings.
The Lebanese Red Cross released a report claiming that it has made 41879 PCR tests to date.
In light of the Beirut blast and the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Ministry of Public Health published a list of hospitals that can treat patients for free.
The Ministry of Public Health, in response to the social media investigations to the accuracy of PCR tests, released a statement explaining all discrepancies.
The caretaker government’s health minister supervised the final stage of the testing of COVID-19 detection dogs at the airport.
A field hospital that can treat coronavirus patients donated by Italy arrived in Beirut ahead of a visit from the Italian defense minister.
[1] Worldometers, 23 August
[2] SANA, 23 August
[3] OCHA-WHO, SYRIA COVID-19 Response Update No.09, As of 21 August 2020
[4] Xinhuanet, 21 August
[5] SANA, 23 August
[6] OCHA-WHO, SYRIA COVID-19 Response Update No.09, As of 16 August 2020
[7]OCHA-WHO, SYRIA COVID-19 Response Update No.09, As of 21 August 2020