UNHCR procured and delivered more than 6.4 million face masks, 850,000 gowns, 3,600 oxygen concentrators, 640 ventilators, over 1,650 housing units and 50 hospital tents to field operations. In addition, six tonnes of personal protection equipment (PPE) and medical supplies have been airlifted and USD 30 million in COVID-19 related cash assistance has been distributed in 65 countries. [Source: UNHCR Global COVID-19 Situation Report]

As of 10 May, over 3.8 million COVID-19 cases have been confirmed, with the United States and European countries most affected. Several country operations have reported cases of COVID-19 among persons of concern, but so far, the number of cases remains low with no reported sustained transmission in high-density refugee or internally displaced areas.

On 11 May, UNHCR launched the revised UNHCR Coronavirus emergency appeal, seeking a total amount of USD 745 million to boost preparedness, prevention and response activities to address the immediate public health needs of refugees, IDPs and host communities prompted by the spread of COVID-19.

On 7 May, the first revision to the COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan was launched, with briefings from UNHCR, OCHA, WHO, WFP and Oxfam principals, seeking USD 6.7 billion through December 2020.

The Secretary-General issued his report on 'Protection of civilians in armed conflict', which underlines the need for continued respect of international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international refugee law by all parties and actors to ensure effective protection for conflict-affected populations and an effective response to the pandemic.

UNHCR in SUDAN ENGAGES IN COVID-19 PREVENTION AND RESPONSE: To protect refugees and IDPs as well as their hosts in Sudan from COVID-19, UNHCR and partners have rolled out a massive prevention, preparedness and response programme. The Agency joined WHO and UNICEF in spreading risk awareness by translating posters in refugee languages, by briefing volunteers and IDP leaders, tens of thousands of text messages sent to urban refugees in Khartoum. In addition, in recent weeks, UNHCR delivered 1 million bars of soap to IDPs, refugees and their most vulnerable Sudanese neighbours. The Agency also established a surveillance system in refugee camps for immediate isolation of potential cases, reporting to the health authorities and subsequent testing. According to the results, so far the virus which is spreading fast in the country has not infected any refugee.

Burkina Faso: UNHCR condemns violence against Malian refugees - https://www.unhcr.org/news/press/2020/5/5eafedba4/burkina-faso-unhcr-condemns-violence-against-malian-refugees.html

UNHCR AND PARTNERS START RELOCATION OF CAR REFUGEES TO A NEW SITE: In late April, the first 800 refugees from the Central African Republic (CAR) relocated away from the border in Um Dafoug, South Darfur where they were living in harsh conditions, to a better site with access to basic services such as water and health. UNHCR, together with COR, the government’s Commissioner for Refugees, and World Vision International have prepared the new site in Al Mashaga, South Darfur. Different from the dirt tracks close to the border, it should allow humanitarian and development agencies to work with the refugee community even during the rainy season. Due to COVID-19 prevention measures, UNHCR can only relocate a reduced number of men, women and children at a time. The relocation is expected to continue throughout May.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi calls for refugees to receive the rights they deserve during the COVID-19 pandemic on the WEF website.

UNHCR calls for aid and access to social safety nets for refugees as COVID-19 causes severe hardship.