Syria: Authorities in Autonomous Region impose partial COVID-19 curfew through Dec. 20.

Event

Authorities in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (NES) have imposed a partial curfew through Dec. 20 to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). All major markets and bazaars must close during this period. Shops selling food and vegetables can open but must close at 1600. Restaurants can continue to open for takeaway orders. Places of worship remain closed but can open for Friday prayers and Sunday mass. All major gatherings such as weddings, funerals, and conferences remain banned.

In the rest of the country, authorities eased COVID-19 restrictions May 26 by canceling a nighttime curfew and resuming travel between governorates. International travel is allowed; Syria's air, land, and sea borders have reopened for most travelers. All travelers are required to undergo a health screening on arrival.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Context

Syria's travel restrictions and preventive measures are similar to actions other governments are taking globally in response to the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.