Boys shop with their families for the upcoming school year in Damascus, Syria, on Aug. 23, 2021. The Syrian Education Ministry decided to open schools at their usual time despite fears of a new wave of COVID-19. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

A girl shops for the upcoming school year in Damascus, Syria, on Aug. 23, 2021. The Syrian Education Ministry decided to open schools at their usual time despite fears of a new wave of COVID-19. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

A girl shops with her families for the upcoming school year in Damascus, Syria, on Aug. 23, 2021. The Syrian Education Ministry decided to open schools at their usual time despite fears of a new wave of COVID-19. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

A boy shops for the upcoming school year in Damascus, Syria, on Aug. 23, 2021. The Syrian Education Ministry decided to open schools at their usual time despite fears of a new wave of COVID-19. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)