Gaza Strip:
The Covid-19 numbers continue to decline. Between January 5 and 11, 2021, 2,936 new cases were detected.
The number of active cases currently stands at 7,907, down from 9,784 a week ago. There have been 447 deaths, up from 398 a week ago. There are 213 hospitalized patients, 117 in serious condition (down from 245 and 141 a week ago).
Spokesmen in the Gaza Strip explain the decline as the result of the general lockdowns imposed over the weekends and in the evenings. However, they warn that
the Gaza Strip is not yet out of danger, and appeal to the public to continue taking preventive measures.
Given the trend to halt the spread of the virus and the decline in the number of active cases, the ministry of health in Gaza announced
22/12/2020
Operatives of the Hamas security forces direct the movement of shoppers to prevent crowding (Twitter account of the ministry of the interior in Gaza, December 17, 2020).
Operatives of the Hamas security forces direct the movement of shoppers to prevent crowding (Twitter account of the ministry of the interior in Gaza, December 17, 2020).
Crowds of shoppers, some of them without masks, in the Deir al-Balah market before the weekend lockdown (al-Facebook page of photojournalist Usama al-Facebook page of photojournalist Usama al-Kahlut, December 17, 2020).
Crowds of shoppers, some of them without masks, in the Deir al-Balah market before the weekend lockdown (al-Facebook page of photojournalist Usama al-Facebook page of photojournalist Usama al-Kahlut, December 17, 2020).
The situation in the Gaza Strip:
The number of active Covid-19 cases in Gaza decreased this past week but is still high (8,717, down from 10,647 a week ago).
There are 340 patients in ICUs, 188 in serious or critical condition.
The central laboratory resumed operations after receiving the necessary testing materials. However,
the number of daily tests is low because the laboratory is using the materials sparingly. Reportedly,
the small number of tests was one of the reasons behind the decline in the number of cases publicly reported by the Hamas administration, but the actual number is greater.
There is still a shortage of medical equipment, including beds for Covid-19 patients. Senior figures in the health system said