On Tuesday, the Medical Directorate of the Salvation Government operating in Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham-controlled areas established a medical center to quarantine Syrians who return or are deported from Turkey. The directorate established the center as a precautionary procedure against coronavirus (COVID-19).
A source reported to Smart News that the quarantine center receives Syrians who return and are deported from Turkey to Idleb. The source noted the increased numbers of Syrians who return to the area, and that most of them return through illegal crossings. The source said that there are between 200 and 300 people quarantined at the center.
The source added that the center holds the Syrians for 14 days before allowing them to visit their families. The source said that the aim of that is to ensure their safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The source noted that the center provides medical care, periodical tests, and sterilization and precautionary medical procedures.
On Mar. 22, 2020, the Syrian government officially announced the first cases of COVID-19 in Damascus. Later, the cases increased gradually to 43. The United Nations warned that the virus poses a significant risk to all Syrians.
COVID-19 is an infectious disease, that spreads from person-to-person and by respiratory droplets. These droplets fall on surrounding surfaces, so other people could be infected when they touch these surfaces and then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths. People could be infected if they inhale droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it is important to keep a two-meter distance from infected people.
Infection symptoms include body aches, blocked nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. The symptoms begin as mild and develop gradually. Some people become infected without showing any symptoms and without feeling ill. About 80 percent of infected people recover from the disease without any special treatment.
This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
