Damascus reported six new COVID-19 cases bringing the total number of those infected with the virus in Syria to 16, the Health Ministry said in a statement Thursday.
Earlier, the Syrian Interior Ministry extended the curfew period during weekend days to 18 hours instead of 12.
The team assigned to follow up on the strategy to fight the coronavirus decided to gradually isolate crowded residential areas after it isolated the Sayyidah Zaynab area in Damascus countryside, where many Iranians come for a visit.
The Ministry of Interior extended visits’ ban in prisons, and the shut down of malls and markets until mid-April, while the Ministry of Awqaf suspended Friday and congregational prayers in mosques until April 16.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the condition in Syria is risky because it is a destination for shrines' religious visitors.
Authorities in Damascus also isolated the town of Menin after a female who was infected passed away. The woman, her husband and their children who own a shop, did not adhere to the self-isolation instructions.
Samples were taken from the husband, his son and other relatives, however the results are not out yet, according to the Ministry.
