Assad Curfew Hinders the Aid Syrians Desperately Need

Assad Curfew Hinders the Aid Syrians Desperately Need

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An international aid group said Wednesday that closures aimed at containing the coronavirus pandemic are preventing it from reaching Syrians in need. In reality, the Assad curfew hinders the aid Syrians desperately need to survive.

The Norwegian Refugee Council said it was unable to reach Syrians where the Assad regime has imposed strict measures to halt the spread of the virus. Syria has a fragile health care system that could be overwhelmed by an outbreak.

Jan Egeland, head of the aid group, said:

While governments are taking tough and much-needed measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, millions of refugees and displaced people still depend on humanitarian assistance.

CORONAVIRUS SPREAD IN SYRIA WILL BE DISASTROUS

In northwestern Syria, hundreds of thousands of people are crammed into unsanitary tent camps, sheltering from the government offensive on the war-torn country’s last rebel stronghold.

On Wednesday, the U.S. urged the Syrian government to halt its campaign so those displaced can access humanitarian aid.

The U.S. also urged the Assad government to release thousands of civilians arbitrarily detained in crowded jails who are especially vulnerable to the virus. On Wednesday, Syria’s tally of cases supposedly rose to five and testing began after weeks of obstacles in the rebel-held province.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness. The virus is highly contagious and can spread even by those showing no symptoms.

NEEDED CONTAINMENT MEASURES HARMING CONFLICT ZONES

Countries across the Middle East have imposed sweeping containment measures to prevent the COVID-19 spread. It includes closing borders, canceling flights and in some cases imposing round-the-clock curfews. Mahan Air, which Iran employs to send weapons and troops to Assad, still operates normally.

In Syria, an open-ended nightly curfew took effect Wednesday at 6 p.m. local time (1600 GMT). State TV showed police patrolling the empty streets of Damascus and other main cities.

Iran is battling the worst outbreak in the region. It has reported over 27,000 confirmed cases and a death toll of at least 2,077. Authorities have advised people to stay at home but have not imposed the kinds of lock downs seen elsewhere. State television aired footage of people thronging the streets Monday night, ignoring social-distancing warnings.

Assad Curfew Hinders the Aid Syrians Desperately Need

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