Two more PCR machines arrive in North and East Syria via the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

DAYRIK (AL-MALIKIYAH), Syria – At a press conference held at the Semalka Border Crossing, Juan Mustafa, the Co-Chair of the Gozarto (Jazira) Region Health Directorate, said that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) across the Iraqi border had sent an addition two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines – used in processing COVID-19 tests. These PCR machines are in addition to the two sent earlier by the KRG. Mustafa explained that the earlier PCR machines are now in service, and that the medical team from the KRG will train medical staff from the Health Directorate on how to operate the two new devices.

Mustafa said two more PCR machines are set to be delivered in the future.

The first two PCR machines to arrive have already been put to use testing samples of the dozens of people from outside North and East Syria who were quarantined in Zalin (Qamishli). All those tested came up negative for COVID-19 and have since been released from quarantine.

There are currently no known active cases of COVID-19 in North and East Syria.