Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition – Syria
Department of Media and Communications
November 18, 2020
The onset of winter and the declining temperatures are aggravating the already dire conditions our people are going through, especially in the IDP camps. Reports by the Ministry of Health of the Syrian Interim Government (SIG) and the Assistance Coordination Unit (ACU) indicate a sharp increase in the number of coronavirus infections in recent weeks. Eight people died of the virus on Monday.
In all our contacts with international and health agencies, we stress the importance of stepping up support to SIG and its institutions, as well as to the IDP camps and all regions to help stem the pandemic.
We are constantly assessing the situation and reviewing the procedures in place. We regret that some people in the liberated areas are not abiding by the preventive measures, especially social distancing, the use of face masks, the frequent washing of hands, and avoiding gatherings, including weddings and funerals.
We remind our people of the need to abide by the precautionary and safety measures as neglect will only worsen the situation and cause more infections.
The SIG and its institutions are making tremendous efforts to stem the disease. We highly appreciate the efforts being made by medical personnel as we hope that they will continue to assume their duty without exposing themselves to any danger. The safety of medical staff must remain a top priority by taking the necessary measures to protect them and prevent the disease from affecting them.
It is imperative that the international community and international health institutions provide urgent support to the healthcare sector in Syria, especially in the IDP camps. We also stress the need to set up more isolation centers; provide medicines and sterilization equipment; and provide relief aid to those in quarantine.
