There has been a sharp increase in new daily coronavirus infections in northeastern Syria. Dr. Ciwan Mistefa, co-chair of the Health Committee of North and East Syria, announced yesterday that 161 new cases of infection have been detected. This brings the total number of infections to 10,059, and 378 people have died from the virus since the pandemic began.

There is still no prospect of a timely supply of vaccine from the WHO. In the autonomous areas, the first infection had been detected in April 2020. The autonomous administration had ordered strict containment measures early on and tasked the crisis teams set up in all cantons with concrete implementation on the ground.

The crisis tables tried to stop the spread of the virus with curfews and hygiene rules. Cleaning campaigns were launched in many cities, and public spaces were disinfected. Schools and universities were closed, and some classes were conducted online. Tracking and intervention were facilitated with more and more vaccination centers established. The external borders of northern and eastern Syria remained closed for a long time. Quarantine centers were established at border crossings for necessary entries. A Health Committee telephone hotline can be used to relay suspicious reports so that contacts can be sent to quarantine.

Current data indicate that northeastern Syria is also being affected by a third wave. Appeals to reduce contact seem to have little effect, unlike at the beginning of the pandemic. For many people, distance rules cannot be observed, also for economic reasons.