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Syrian Kurds hunker down amid fears of COVID-19

Most people in northeastern Syria seem to be obeying a lockdown imposed by the Kurdish autonomous administration to contain the spread of the coronavirus, but many are wondering how they will survive financially.
A man wearing a protective mask walks by at an empty market in the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli in Syria's northeastern Hasakah province, on March 23, 2020, amid measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. - The Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria have not recorded any deaths so far, but have imposed a curfew in a bid to stem any outbreak. (Photo by DELIL SOULEIMAN / AFP) (Photo by DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Facing a coronavirus pandemic that has invaded most countries of the world, the Kurdish autonomous administration in Syria has imposed a curfew and lockdown throughout its areas of control, as a preventive measure.

Under the lockdown, which began March 23, the administration also closed cafes, restaurants, public places, wedding and mourning halls, and even private medical clinics. Bakeries, grocery stores and pharmacies were excluded from the decision. The curfew was set for 15 days that could be extended if necessary.

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