The curfew in northern and eastern Syria, in force since 23 March as a measure against the corona pandemic, has been extended again. According to an order published on Thursday, the curfew is provisionally limited until 11 May. In the canton of Hesekê the corona ordinance has been tightened. Excluded from the curfew are employees in the health, security, cleaning sectors, pharmacies, bakeries, grocery stores, petrol stations and media sectors who can move freely with a pass issued by the internal security forces. However, shops will only be open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Collective taxis are now only allowed to transport a maximum of ten agricultural workers, and heavy fines will be imposed in the event of infringements. All persons moving in public areas must also wear protective masks and gloves.

A couple from the al-Hamran neighborhood of Hesekê tested positive for the novel virus this week. The man is undergoing treatment at the state hospital Watani, the woman is in domestic quarantine. The neighbourhood has now been completely quarantined. The population is urged to pay special attention to the protective measures taken against the pandemic and not to approach the al-Amni crossroads controlled by Syrian regime forces. Due to the close cooperation with Iranian militias, an outbreak in the Syrian military is likely. Previously, a conscript of the regime had also returned to Northern Syria infected.

Hesekê does not fully belong to the autonomous region of northern and eastern Syria. The implementation of the Corona Ordinance issued by the autonomous administration is therefore monitored by the federal Cizîrê region and adjusted accordingly.