Early conclusion of Book Exhibition in Zalin (Qamishli) due to coronavirus as Syrian regime hides the real number of infections

ZALIN (QAMISHLI) and AS-SUWAYDA, Syria — After the Health Authority of the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) of North and East Syria announced recording four new coronavirus cases in the cities of Zalin (Qamishli) and Hasakah the preparatory committee of the 4th Book Exhibition of Martyr Herkul decided to conclude its activities a day early, on Friday 24 July, to ensure the safety of participants.

On the last day of the exhibition, held at Zana Hall in Zalin, approximately 5,300 books from six categories were distributed to participants.

The Syriac Cultural Association participated in the book exhibition, making available various types of books written in the Syriac language.

While the DAA takes various coronavirus precautionary measures, the Syrian regime seems to be less diligent about protecting its citizens. Instead, the regime is reportedly hiding the real number of infections in the country, which likely greatly exceeds the official cases announced by the Syrian Ministry of Health.

Local sources from As-Suwayda in southern Syria reported that more than 30 coronavirus cases have been recorded but not announced by the Syrian government.

“The infection was transmitted after contact with an already infected case,” the source said. “The possibility of other cases which have not been revealed yet is greatly increasing.”

The sources indicated that the Ministry of Health instructed healthcare workers not to reveal the real numbers of infections for the media without the Ministry’s approval.