Full lockdown imposed on Syria’s Deir ez-Zor as coronavirus surges
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Total lockdown in the western countryside of Deir ez-Zor is imposed due to the surge of Covid-19 deaths and infections, Muhammad Salem, co-chair of the health committee of Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, said on Monday.
On December 11, the Deir ez-Zor Civil Council imposed a full lockdown on Harmoshiya and al-Kiber areas, west of Deir ez-Zor, for one week. The closure is scheduled to start from December 12 to 18.
“The outbreak of Covid-19 cases was because of sociability, and similarity of symptoms between the cold and coronavirus,” Salem added.
“People must abide by the protective measures to stem the spread of the infections and all residents should bear the responsibility and be aware of the seriousness of this pandemic,” he noted.
According to the closure decision, all places of assemblies and meetings as well as schools will be closed down.
Few establishments whose work require constant attendance are exempt from the closure.
Salem pointed out that health centers in the western area of Deir ez-Zor were provided with oxygen cylinders in case of emergencies.
In the last three months, Harmoshiya and al-Kiber areas recorded about 30 Covid-19 related deaths, and the countryside of Deir ez-Zor recorded 862 infections, including 131 deaths, Salem announced.
The suspension of Qamishli-based Covid-19 diagnostic center, due to lack of PCR tests, has had a negative impact to recognize numbers of the infections in the whole region.