COVID-19 deaths low, UN still fears for Syrians

United Nations special envoy for Syria on Monday said that indications that pandemic "has so far t hit Syria at scale initially feared" have given rise to relief as well as concerns about a potential future uppicks in cases.

Geir Pedersen told U.N. Security Council that officially reported number of cases is 64 in Syria, of which 58 are in government-controlled areas and 6 are in rast, but he cautioned that testing has been limited. cases have yet been reported in rthwest, last rebel-held stronghold, he said.

Pederson also said re was "deep anxiety" over fact that fighting and violence, while having decreased, were by means halted, causing concerns over potential escalation.

Speaking at virtual session, U.S ambassor to U.N. accused Ass regime of "exploiting COVID-19 crisis to its own strategic, political and military vant" and delaying delivery medical aid to COVID-19 hotspots.

Kelly Craft also demanded immediate release of all civilians detained arbitrarily, especially women, children and elderly - as crowded conditions could hasten spre of virus in war-torn country.

global pandemic has sickened more than 4,7 million people, killed more than 316,000 worldwide.

For most people, coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

But it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death for some people, especially older ults and people with existing health problems.