Syrian gov't orders closure of marketplaces amid coronavirus spread

The Syrian government on Saturday ordered the closure of marketplaces as of Sunday as part of the measures taken against the novel coronavirus, according to the state news agency SANA.

Prime Minister Imad Khamis also ordered the suspension of trade, service, and social activities until further notice, said the report.

The new order excluded the outlets for selling food items and pharmacies.

The new measure comes in the wake of the spread of novel coronavirus in neighboring countries.

Still, no novel coronavirus cases were reported in Syria so far.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)