SYRIA: Al-Omran neighborhood in Hasakah locked down after a couple test positive for coronavirus

HASAKAH, Syria – A husband and wife from the city of Hasakah in northeastern Syria have tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19. The Health Directorate of the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) issued a statement appealing to all residents to adhere to the preventative measures. A total quarantine had been imposed on Al-Omran neighborhood, home to the infected couple, and a partial quarantine had been imposed on the entire city – no one is allowed to enter or exit.

Food is being provided to the 14 families who live in the neighborhood by the Social Affairs Authority of Hasakah Province, in coordination of the heath authority.

In a statement to North-Press Agency, Dr. Ramanda Issa of the Health Directorate in Hasakah explained that a sample from the women was taken by Directorate staff on Wednesday after she exhibited symptoms. The sample was then handed off to staff from the World Health Organization for testing.

“Once we received the wife’s positive result, we sent our emergency team and took samples from her family for testing,” said Issa to North-Press. “Our results showed that the 61-year-old husband was also infected with the virus.”

According to a statement released by the Health Directorate, the condition of the women has worsened, and she has been transferred to the National Hospital in Zalin (Qamishli) which is run by the Syrian regime.

The husband showed no symptoms but tested posted for the virus. He has since been quarantined in his house.

The Health Directorate also implored all residents of North and East Syria to follow the mandated heath procedures.

“We at the DAA Health Directorate call on our people to adhere to the procedures and decisions issued by the DAA of North and East Syria and to follow the rules of personal protection in addition to staying away from crowded places,” read the statement.

The statement also decried the lax attitude of the Syrian regime in combating COVID-19. “We are trying to prevent the outbreak of coronavirus within our areas, despite the lack of cooperation of the Syrian authorities which allow entering the citizens without being tested.”

Several civilian flights from Daramsuq (Damascus) to Zalin have been flown recently, despite the suspension of domestic air travel nationwide. In one instance, Syrian regime officials released a number of passengers from the airport without quarantining or testing them in exchange for bribes.