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Northeast Syria imposes 'total lockdown' due to virus

The new measures coincide with Ramadan and follow a relatively high number of new COVID-19 cases in the autonomous region.
A 120-bed ward at a specialized hospital for coronavirus cases inaugurated by the Kurdish Red Crescent around 10 kilometers (6 miles) outside the city of Hasakeh after the first COVID-19 death was reported in the northeastern region, Syria, April 20, 2020.

A lockdown will begin in northeast Syria on Tuesday as authorities attempt to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus during Ramadan and following a relatively large number of new infections.

The “full lockdown” will last until April 22 and is a complete ban on nonessential movement. There are some exceptions: Supermarkets can remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pharmacies, hospitals, humanitarian organizations and journalists are also exempt, according to a Sunday statement from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

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