North and East Syria Official Kenan Barakat: Citizen must realize the seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak

ZALIN (QAMISHLI), Syria — In a lengthy interview with SuroyoFM about the measures taken by the Crises Cell of the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) of North and East Syria to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, head of the Interior Directorate of Gozarto (Jazira) Region and member of the region’s Crisis Cell Kenan Barakat confirmed that increased measures were imposed after recent increases in confirmed cases of the virus by the Health Directorate.

Barakat pointed out that Jazira’s Crisis Cell has imposed a curfew for 14 days. During the same period, all non-essential work by the DAA will be suspended. Important public services and health institutions will remain working.

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Barakat also stressed the important role of internal Security Forces (ISF) in implementing the curfew. Security personnel will be around the region to ensure residents and business adhere to the measures needed to prevent further spread of the virus.

Barakat noted that the failure of citizens to comply with the curfew as required will lead to a health disaster in the region, noting that the ISF has coordinated with service institutions to a high degree, especially with the management of bakeries, to avoid the problem of overcrowding.

Barakat concluded by saying that the government in Damascus has not been cooperative with the DAA’s efforts to control the outbreak of the coronavirus and continues to fly commercial flights to Zalin (Qamishli) without taking proper measures. Most of the cases of infection in North and East Syria, said Barakat, can be traced back to regime flights.