Gaza Strip:
The number of new and active Covid-19 cases in Gaza continues declining. Between December January 12 and 18, 2021, 2,354 new cases were detected.
The number of active cases currently stands at 6,258, down from 7,907 a week ago. There have been 487 deaths, up from 447 a week ago.
Spokesmen for the health system in the Gaza Strip
have expressed satisfaction with the decline in the number of patients, calling it primarily the result of the preventive measures. However, they also note that the situation is still dangerous, warning that easing restrictions will cause the numbers to rise. Despite to decline in infection the Hamas administration announced the weekend lockdowns and nightly curfews would continue. In addition, the overall situation of health system has reportedly improved (increase in the number of free beds, sufficient supply of coronavirus test kits and the arrival of oxygen stations).
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