According to current information from the Health Committee of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, 134 new coronavirus cases have been recorded since Saturday. This means that a total of 4,738 infections with the virus have been counted in the self-governing areas since the beginning of the pandemic. In addition, there have been two more deaths since the previous day. This means that the number of people in northern and eastern Syria who have died in connection with Covid-19 disease now stands at 127.

Dr. Ciwan Mistefa, co-chair of the Health Committee, announced on Sunday that 43 of the new infections were counted in Qamishlo. From Hesekê 34 new cases were reported, closely followed by Dêrik with 30 newly infected persons. The statistics do not show how many people are treated in hospitals and the number of people in domestic quarantine.

No significant help from WHO

Northeast Syria is practically on its own in the fight against corona, as the World Health Organization (WHO) provides hardly any significant support for the self-governing areas. The consequences of the pandemic are also burdening the region's fragile health system, which is exposed to permanent threats: from Turkey and the jihadist allies of the NATO partner from the so-called SNA (Syrian National Army), sleeper cells of the IS, and also from the regime in Damascus.

Lockdown in force again

Since last Friday there are again selective curfews in northeast Syria. In addition to lockdowns, the new pandemic containment decree includes further measures such as a ban on private and public events and gatherings, strict rules for retailers and restaurants, and a general obligation to wear masks. However, kindergartens, schools and universities in northern and eastern Syria remain open. The health committee, in cooperation with the education committee, has drawn up a concept for compliance with infection control. In addition to compulsory masks in class and hygiene measures, it also includes a ventilation concept - ventilation in closed rooms is considered a secret weapon against the spread of Covid-19.