Coronavirus in Syria: Bashar al-Assad warns of catastrophe if cases jump

Source:Irish Times Date:06May2020

Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has warned that the war-ravaged country could face catastrophe if coronavirus cases exceed the capabilities of the debilitated healthcare system. Arguing that Syria has not escaped “the circle of danger”, he said Syria’s reported 44 cases and three deaths could “suddenly spike in a few days or few weeks”.

Public pressure has forced a partial lifting of last month’s strict curfew and lockdown, permitting a return to work as United Nations and humanitarian agencies contended Syria could face an overwhelming outbreak.