North and East Syria administration and Syrian regime announce new coronavirus measures as cases increase

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA / DARAMSUQ — After rising coronavirus infections in North and East Syria, the Crisis Cell of the Executive Council of the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) has announced the re-imposition of a partial curfew from 6–12 April across the region, in addition to a complete curfew in Zalin (Qamishli), Hasakah, and Raqqa.

The curfew includes the closure of all shops, schools, universities, and border crossings — except in the case of health emergencies, commercial traffic, and students. Basic services, such as bakeries, hospitals, and pharmacies, will remain open.

Residents will also be required to wear masks and risks fines if they do not.

The Syrian regime imposed similar measures in its areas of control. On Sunday, it announced a ten-day work reduction in ministries and public institutions due to the accelerating spread of the coronavirus and the economic crisis, especially in light of the sharply increasing price of fuel.

According to state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Prime Minister Imad Khamis, in order to ensure the investment of financial and human resources, decided to suspend work or reduce the working hours in ministries and public agencies whose work is not essential to economic and productive activity.

On Saturday, the Syrian Ministry of Education announced the suspension of hours or closure of several classes, with the exception of students of basic education and high school.

The Ministry of Culture announced the suspension of working hours in its higher institutes and its fine art centers.