Hamas health authorities have ceased testing for coronavirus in Gaza due to a lack of available materials, the Hamas-run Health Ministry says in a laconic statement.
“We call on all the relevant bodies to intervene urgently so as to provide support for emergency needs of the central laboratory,” the Health Ministry says, referring to the main health body that processes coronavirus tests.
Hamas security officers stand guard on the main road of the Jebaliya refugee camp, Gaza Strip, October 30, 2020. (Adel Hana/AP)
Hamas officials have warned that testing supplies in the coastal enclave could run out since its coronavirus outbreak began in earnest in mid-August. Even as cases have risen over the past few weeks, the number of coronavirus tests conducted has slowly dropped to 2,000 per day.
The Gaza Strip has 10,493 active coronavirus infections, the vast majority of which were identified over the past three weeks. Hamas authorities have ordered a nightly curfew in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus.
A spokesperson for the Hamas-run health ministry does not immediately respond to a request for comment.
— Aaron Boxerman
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