ICRC Sets Up Isolation Center at Al-Hol Displacement Camp, Syria
Arab World
AL-HOL, Syria- Kamal Sheikhou
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization, had set up an isolation center to fight off COVID-19 at al-Hol camp in al-Hasakah, east of Syria. Setting up the center, which includes 80 beds, an emergency room, and a laboratory for its first phase, comes amid fears of a potential coronavirus outbreak at the camp. Natalie Bekdash, ICRC spokeswoman, reaffirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the center was part of preparing for a potential virus outbreak at the camp and that the designing phase for the center was over. The center, according to Bekdash, will include fully equipped 80 beds. Bekdash added that, for the time being, the camp’s administration did not record any COVID-19 infections. She noted that social distancing measures were hard to apply at camps in general. “The risks are greatest, and physical distance is often an impossible luxury. It is difficult to get soap and clean water, and it lacks basic health care,” Bekdash said about camps in general. Equipped with mattresses, covers, and pillows, the center was also provided its own electric generator. Bekdash said that UNHCR had provided tents, covers, and kitchen and lighting equipment. UNICEF, on the other hand, provided water circulation at the center. The WHO gave medical equipment and human resources. The raging conflict in Syria, which has been going on for over 9 years, has caused grave losses in the healthcare systems of the country, destroyed hospitals, and put many clinics out of service. According to Bekdash, out of 16 hospitals, only one remains fully operative, while another 8 are partially operative and 7 are completely out of service. Al-Hol Camp, which is near Iraqi borders, shelters around 65,000 Syrians and Iraqis. It is located 45 km east of al-Hasakah and contains one ICRC field hospital.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2404576/icrc-sets-isolation-center-al-hol-displacement-camp-syria
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