DAMASCUS, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- As many as 72 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Syria on Tuesday, bringing the overall number of infections in the government-controlled areas to 1,327, state news agency SANA reported.
The total 1,327 cases recorded in Syria since March include 385 recoveries and 53 deaths, SANA said, citing a statement by the health ministry.
Meanwhile, activists said 138 cases have so far been reported in areas controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Syria, while 46 have been reported in other rebel-held areas, namely in the countryside of Aleppo Province in northern Syria and in the northwestern province of Idlib.
Medical sources have said the number of infections in government-controlled areas is much higher than the figure published by the health ministry that lacks the capacity of conducting wide-scale COVID-19 tests.
China has offered help to Syria to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
On April 15, China delivered the first batch of medical aid, including 2,016 COVID-19 testing kits. On June 4 and June 24, Syria received another two batches of medical supplies donated by China, including testing kits, protective suits, masks, goggles and infrared thermometers.
On April 23, a video conference was held between Chinese and Syrian medical experts for sharing the experience in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Enditem
