Medical personnel in Damascus, Syria, March 19, 2020 (Omar Sanadiki/Reuters)
The Assad regime has announced the third death from Coronavirus in its areas of Syria.
The Health Ministry reported the fatality on Sunday. No further details were given.
The regime has declared 39 cases of the virus. However, medical personnel, analysts, and residents believe the toll is far higher.
Concerned about shortages and an economy which has lost 75% of its GDP in Syria’s nine-year conflict, the regime has begun loosening restrictions which it instituted in mid-March.
On Saturday, the Cabinet declared that all commercial and services firms can resume activity for 1-2 days each week from 8 am to 3 pm. Barber shops and beauty salons can open from Sunday to Thursday.
The Industry Ministry has been tasked to coordinate with workers on a plan for restarting production in industrial and artisanal zones.
See also Syria Daily, April 19: Coronavirus — Assad Regime Eases Restrictions on Businesses
This morning State news agency SANA features an industrial zone in Homs Province, proclaiming that 253 facilities have increased production of essentials such as oil, sugar, and flour.
