The Autonomous Self-Administration of North and East Syria has imposed a 15-day curfew starting Tuesday in all cities and towns under its control as part of preventative precautions to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus and the new strain.
The Department of Health (DOH) – affiliated with the Kurdish administration – has recorded 40 new cases, bringing the total to 8,163 infections.
It also registered four deaths, increasing the number of fatalities to 280. DOH said 1,157 patients recovered.
Dr. Juan Mustafa, the co-chairman of the Health Authority, attributed the drop in cases in the past days to the people’s cooperation and increased sense of responsibility. He said they showed more seriousness in dealing with the pandemic.
Everyone is called on to be cautious because protecting oneself also protects the society, according to Mustafa.
The new move follows a one-month partial lockdown that was preceded by a full lockdown for ten days to limit the outbreak of the pandemic.
Upon the Self-Administration’s guidelines, shopping, and food and vegetable stores are to close at 5 pm, except for the Friday and Sunday markets.
Schools and education facilities are allowed to open under the condition of adhering to the health measures and physical distancing. Traffic from and into the Kurdish regions, crossings, and borders is also permitted.
However, worshipping places shall be closed except for Friday's sermon and Sunday’s mass.
Yet, many observers complain against residents who disregard the preventative measures and physical distancing, and visit crowded places in markets and public places without wearing facemasks.
Mustafa said that the health situation is currently under control but also warned that the winter season helps spread the virus.