CHINA

A region that has been struggling to achieve peace, the COVID-19 pandemic come at an inopportune time (not that it would ever be ideal).

Yemen: Upon the first few confirmed cases of COVID-19, Yemen immediately imposed a two-week lockdown including the closure of shops, mosques and markets selling Khat (a substance commonly used by many Yemen residents). Already having a weak healthcare infrastructure, the country has experienced events such as militias loyal to the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) stealing medical aid donated by the World Health Organization (WHO) from the southern port of Aden, including nine ambulances. Yemen has hosted various attacks on medical facilities and water supplies, contributing to what the international community has described as the world’s greatest man-made humanitarian crisis.

Libya: As of April 22, there have been 59 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Officials have expressed that, with only two testing facilities (Tripoli and Benghazi), only about 900 tests have been performed and there are likely many more positive cases of the virus. In efforts to prevent further spread, Libya has implemented border closures, restricted movement, school closures, restaurant closures, and other standard protocols. Libyan officials say that inter-community transmission between citizens remains likely, with many already in vulnerable states as a result of political fragmentation and weak governance leading to issues with the healthcare system. Fighting and militia violence remains an issue during these times as well.

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Syria: Syria has implemented the standard measures such as stay-at-home orders and shutting down publig spaces. With at least 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and a couple of deaths, Syrian government is also stepping up efforts to prepare laboratories and isolation wards, as well as to raise public awareness of the virus and the best prevention methods. Communities deemed most at risk are being selected to receive health facilities and intensive care units. With a fragile healthcare system, officials have said that Syria is at high risk of being unable to contain the pandemic. There is a great need for more medial supplies, which is being compounded by the fact that restrictions on aid deliveries from Damascus and Iraq are preventing medical supplies and personnel needed to prevent and treat COVID-19 from reaching residents of northeast Syria. Violence between warring factions over medial supplies and territory is increasing as well, putting everyone in the crossfire.

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As with the above countries, Yemen, Libya, and Syria, the other countries of the Middle East and Northern Africa are attempting to stop the spread of COVID-19 and facing varying degrees of success in doing so. 

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Lebanon: Having declared a national state of emergency, Lebanon has implemented strict measures to stop the spread such as limiting social gatherings, posting up checkpoints along roads, and implementing a strict national curfew.

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Iran: Initially resistant to implementing a national lockdown, Iran now has one of the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the region and even caused the virus to spread to surrounding countries as a result of delaying preventative measures.

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Egypt: Taking the Pandemic very seriously, the Egyptian government announced that traditional gatherings during Ramadan would not be permitted. Strict stay-at-home orders have been implemented except for those providing essential services.