The third Corona wave is forcing the autonomous areas in northern and eastern Syria into lockdown. The Autonomous Administration announced on Saturday that there will again be far-reaching restrictions on the region from April 6. The measure will apply in Heseke, Qamishlo and Raqqa for the time being. Schools, universities and stores will close there, and curfew restrictions will apply from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. Border crossings will also be closed, and only in emergencies will crossing be allowed.

According to a corresponding decree, relaxations are not planned until April 12 at the earliest. Weddings, mourning events and other celebrations and gatherings in public spaces, as well as religious services and Friday prayers are already prohibited as of today. In addition, a strict mask obligation applies again. Violators face heavy fines.

Like almost everywhere else in the world, the autonomous areas of northern and eastern Syria are experiencing an increase in new infections with the coronavirus. At least 10,404 people have been confirmed to be infected as of today, and 389 people have died in connection with pandemic. There is still no prospect of a timely supply of vaccine from the WHO. As for humanitarian aid deliveries from the United Nations and the World Health Organization, the autonomous areas are also largely left out, as distribution is coordinated via Damascus.