According to officials, the surge is being caused by the more contagious Delta variant and has overflowed hospitals with sick patients and caused shortages in oxygen. Local rebel-run authorities imposed a midnight curfew on Tuesday. Schools and universities were closed, and students are now learning remotely.

There are 4 million residents in the region, many of whom have been internally displaced by Syria's 10 year conflict.

President of The International Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM), Dr. Khaula Swah says international aid is essential to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. Millions of lives are at risk.

According to UOSSM and World Vision, the rate of positive tests, which indicate the severity of virus spread, is approximately 55%. World Vision reports that only 1.3% of the population is vaccinated.

According to local medical authorities, the number of coronavirus cases was close to 77,000 and the death rate was 1,357.

Johan Mooij (World Vision Syria Response Director), stated that people are dying in Northwest Syria due to inaccessibility to hospitals in a statement released on Thursday.