Unique situation of Gaza Strip dealing with COVID-19 crisis

Abstract

Infected COVID19 cases continue to increase, having already reached 21 million globally, attracting scientists around the world to trying to find a possible vaccine. Unlike many places around the world, movement restrictions and difficulties in travelling in and out due to a 13-year-old blockade with no possibility for tourists to travel in, has benefited Gaza in terms of being self-isolated and less likely to have many travellers or foreigners carrying the virus and infecting the population. First cases were discovered on 22 March 2020, and by 05 July 2020, there were still only 72 cases confirmed, 60 of whom were successfully treated, 11 active cases, and only 1 death. Constructively, this study follows a direct observation approach with in-depth disk review for data collected locally from official sources (Governmental bodies, UN agencies, and INGOs); concrete context analysis is then made and used toward predicting the potential risk scenarios associated with COVID19 supported by the application of a simple risk matrix for each scenario within a limited time frame covering the period from 22 March to 05 July 2020. Three different risk scenarios associated with COVID19 risks were studied and analysed towards understanding exceptional circumstances surrounding Gaza along with potential mitigation measures executed and suggested.

Keywords

• COVID19
• Gaza
• Risk
• Scenarios