Coronavirus test swab iStock Syria announced on Monday it would lift an overnight curfew starting Tuesday and allow movement between governorates as it eases coronavirus lockdown measures.
The move comes even as the Syrian health ministry reported 20 new infections of the novel coronavirus on Monday, bringing the country’s tally to 106 cases and four deaths, according to Reuters .
Syria has seen an uptick in infections in recent days, which it has attributed to the return of Syrians from abroad.
Damascus said on Monday that while it was easing lockdown measures as part of steps to reopen the economy, it would halt flights repatriating Syrians for the time being as it treats those that have recently returned.
Reuters noted that some diplomats, including US Special Representative for Syria James Jeffrey, have cast doubt on the government’s relatively low figures.
Doctors and relief groups have expressed concern that medical infrastructure ravaged by nine years of conflict would make a more serious outbreak deadly and difficult to fend off.
China has offered help to Syria to fight the COVID-19 outbreak, according to the Xinhua news agency.
On April 15, Syria received a donation from China which included 2,016 COVID-19 test kits.
On April 23, a video conference was held between Chinese and Syrian medical experts meant to share the experience in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tags: Syria , Coronavirus