Shafaq News/ Traffic congestion culminated at security checkpoints in the city of Derik in the far north-east of Syria due to COVID-19 lockdowns.

The official of the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) checkpoints, Delkash Rasool, told Shafaq News Agency, "we abide by the decrees issued by the Autonomous Administration and the Health Commission in Northeastern Syria. Traffic at our checkpoints is normal from the morning till four after the noun."

"Checkpoints are shut down at 0400 pm in accordance with the decisions of the Health Commission. Traffic movement is suspended. Except for military vehicles, humanitarian missions, and medical emergencies, movement to and from Derik is prohibited."

Rasool urged the citizens to limit the movements between cities and to markets to emergencies solely. 

In an endeavor to curb COVID-19 surging cases, the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria started a partial lockdown last Tuesday. It will remain in force until next Monday, April 12, 2021.