MECC Coronavirus (COVID 19) Weekly Report
SYRIA: COVID-19
Humanitarian Update No. 19
Reporting period: from 27 July to 2 August 2020
Coronavirus cases: 809 Recovered: 256 Deaths: 44 [1]
Highlights
As of 02 August, the total number of Coronavirus cases registered in Syria has reached 809, of which 256 patients have recovered and 44 have passed away.
There are now active COVID-19 outbreaks in all of Syria’s territories, marking a worrying new phase of the crisis.
After more than two months without registering any new infections, the local authorities in northeastern Syria recorded eight new COVID-19 cases in the last week.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that the COVID-19 has outpaced the official numbers as more and more people independently comment on the spread of the virus.[2]
The Syrian Ministry of Health reportedly instructed COVID-19 patients who have no severe symptoms (and do not need hospital treatment) to quarantine themselves inside their homes. The move comes as government hospitals lack sufficient numbers of beds and ventilators to deal with higher numbers of COVID-19 patients, an issue compounded by the fact that the already low number of ventilators in circulation are not operating at full capacity due to low electricity provided by hospital generators. [3]
Even the UN now says that there could be an unreported outbreak in the country. They say that humanitarian actors in Syria have been receiving "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. [4]
There has been a remarkable increase in deaths caused by COVID-19 or similar respiratory disease since July 10. A coroner in Damascus University criticized the burial of those who died of the virus in Najha, and said that cremation is the best way to deal with them.
Preventive measures
Despite the recent rise in cases, preventative measures continue to be relaxed as the country faces economic upheaval.
Eid Al-Adha prayers were performed at homes in Damascus and its countryside after the Ministry of Endowment suspended Eid prayers at mosques in the two provinces. [5]
The Ministry of Endowments on Sunday 02 August, announced the suspension of Friday and mass prayers at the mosques of Damascus and its countryside for fifteen days, as of Monday, August 3rd.[6] Noting that the ministry suspended funeral prayers in the mosques of Damascus and its countryside.[7]
Syrians coming from abroad have the option of paying $200 to spend one night in Ebla AlCham hotel as they wait for a PCR test result issued in 24 hours, rather than wait 14 days in the Herjaleh quarantine centre.
On 27 July, The Patriarchate of Greek Melkite Catholic suspended all prayers and activities in the churches of the Archdiocese of Damascus.[8], while the Latin churches suspended prayers in churches all over Syria.
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East issued on July 28th a statement affirming the following:
o Offering prayers only without the participation of any worshipers.
o Holding all funerals in the presence of the priest and the family of deceased (with adherence to: limited attendance, putting masks, sterilizing hands, social distancing) and without accepting condolences.
o Suspend all meetings and activities such as trips, ceremonies, exhibitions, competitions, camps, etc., for all youth groups and women's fraternities.
o Suspend condolences and weddings in all the church halls.
o Implement all of these directives as of July 28thuntil further notice.[9]
Lebanon: COVID-19
Humanitarian Update No. 16
Reporting period: from 29 July to 4 August 2020
Coronavirus cases: 5,062 Deaths: 65 Recovered: 1,837
Highlights
During this reporting period, the number of corona cases reached a new record of 224 cases per day on the 31st of July.
The Lebanese health sector loses the nurse volunteer Zainab Haidar who contracted the virus and who died during her heroic service.
Despite new measures being taken, the virus continues to spread unabated on dangerous levels.
Rafik Hariri University Hospital warned that it will no longer be able to treat new patients if cases continue to dramatically increase.
Updated measures
The Ministry issued Memorandum No. 78 on 29/07/2020 regarding the sectors exemted from closing during the lockdown periods: restaurants are allowed to operate from 6:00 am until 8:00 pm and are only allowed to provide take away and delivery services, while adhering to all safety measures and conditions. The decision also includes libraries, which are allowed to work from 6:00 am until 11:00 pm in compliance with preventive measure.
extended the general mobilization decision according to circular 6665/2020 from 3/8/2020 to 30/8/2020
Risks
Gathering of citizens in hiking areas without committing to preventive measures
Electricity blackouts which affect hospitals.
Non-compliance of citizens with preventive measures.
social gatherings and celebrations.
Preparedness and response
The National Committee for Infectious Diseases, under the chairmanship of Dr. Walid Ammar, convened to propose the closure of the country from August 15 to 30.
The Minister of Public Health, Dr. Hamad Hassan, inaugurated a separate section at the Dr. Abdullah Al-Rassi Governmental Hospital in Halba - Akkar which was established by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Lebanon, UNHCR, and dedicated to treating new Corona patients.
The Minister of Public Health, Dr. Hamad Hassan, held a meeting with the owners of laboratories conducting PCR examinations, to discuss how examinations are being made and the mechanism of how medical reagents are being used to ascertain accuracy.
The Minister of Public Health, Dr. Hamad Hassan, held a meeting with the civil and military officials to discuss strengthening coordination between them to secure a speedy medical response ambulance for the patient and provide him with a bed.
UN-Habitat Lebanon designed, produced and installed the first communal handwashing stations in Lebanon to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other similar health risks. 30,000 beneficiaries will benefit from such as an act.
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[1] Worldometers, 02 August 2020
[2] tande.substack.com, weekly covid-19 update#16, 29 July
[3] Mercy corps, weekly report
[4] Syria in context, weekly covid-19 report, 29 July
[5] SANA, 31 July
[6] SANA, 2 August
[7] Syria news, 26 July
[8] Eparchie Patriarcale de Damas
[9] HOLY.CROSS.CHURCH.SY
[10] https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/lebanon/