Building in Zalin (Qamishli) in North and East Syria quarantined due to two suspected coronavirus cases

ZALIN (QAMISHLI), Syria — The Health Authority of the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) of North and East Syria quarantined the residents of a building in the Al-Arbawiya neighborhood in Zalin (Qamishli), due to two suspected coronavirus cases.

The quarantine is a precautionary measure while test results are pending.

Sources from the neighborhood reported that about 20 members of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) of North and East Syria deployed in the area surrounding the quarantined building.

In a statement, Co-Chair of the Health Authority of the DAA Jwan Mustafa stated that, “The medical teams of the Health Authority have taken samples from the two suspected cases to conduct a PCR test and the results will be revealed today.”

“Imposing a quarantine on the residents of the building came as a precautionary step,” he added. “In addition, the two suspected cases did not come from outside the areas of the DAA. Regarding those who contacted them, necessary precautions were taken in case the results come back positive.”

Syrian regime authorities supervising Zalin airport have not been cooperating with the teams of the DAA Health Authority. Flights from Daramsuq (Damascus) to Zalin continue, carry hundreds of passengers without adequate precautionary measures taken in the planes or at the airport, raising fears of coronavirus transmission.