The Syrian Ministry of Health has denied claims circulating on Facebook and in media outlets about the existence of COVID-19 related deaths. In a statement, the ministry confirmed: "The Ministry of Health monitors the epidemiological report issued daily by health directorates through the departments of communicable and chronic diseases, which tracks the disease cases reviewed in health facilities, indicating the rate of spread and severity of illnesses."
It added: "Based on the aforementioned, the ministry reassures that there is no increase in COVID-19 cases, the epidemic curve is stable, and the confirmed cases are mild and have received home treatment, with no recorded fatalities."
The statement continued: "Regarding influenza cases, they are also within normal limits, where surveillance and investigation of suspected cases are conducted following the reference methods approved by the World Health Organization. The Ministry of Health is keen to implement all preventive and precautionary measures in case of any changes in the epidemic curve of any disease and to enhance preparedness for responding to any health developments related to infectious diseases or others. It also aims to keep track of all developments concerning epidemiological monitoring and disease control efforts globally."
The statement concluded: "The Ministry of Health reiterates that emergency and trauma departments are operating in hospitals around the clock to receive patients, as well as standby health centers in various governorates and the national ambulance system during the Eid al-Fitr holiday."
