COVID-19 infections on rise in Gaza
Ashraf Shannon
Press TV, Gaza
Covid-19 infected cases in the Gaza Strip has jumped over two thousands. The considerable spike comes within two weeks alone. This comes as the impoverished enclave is struggling with Israeli blockade hampering its efforts to cope with the pandemic.
Coronavirus infections continue to rise in the impoverished Gaza Strip amid tough measures by local authorities to contain the deadly pandemic. The Gaza Strip was placed under lockdown last month after four infections were discovered among the local population.
Until August 24th, all coronavirus infections in Gaza were detected among Palestinians who had returned through crossings and were spending a mandatory 21-day period in quarantine centers.
The extensive nature of the Israeli blockade has had a devastating impact on the enclave’s health system rendering it inadequate to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Hospitals in the Gaza Strip have less than one hundred ICU beds and ventilators for the enclave’s two million population.
The tight lockdown has been eased in central Gaza, Rafah and Khan Younes, as well as in some neighborhoods of Gaza City, given their relatively low number of infections. COVID-19 has resulted in high levels of stress and anxiety for Palestinians in Gaza who find it hard to make a living.
Palestinians in Gaza are living under harsh conditions due to COVID-19 and the Israeli blockade. Contagion within the community in Gaza remains a serious concern due to the capacity gaps in the health system.
The coronavirus has complicated the already dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
Experts say the Israeli blockade must be fully lifted to help avert a humanitarian disaster.
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