War-torn Yemen reports first coronavirus case
ADEN (REUTERS): Yemen has reported its first coronavirus case today (Friday) in a southern province, a day after a two-week ceasefire announcement by the Saudi-led coalition.
Earlier on Thursday, the nationwide ceasefire began over the virus pandemic. A Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthi movement announced that it would halt military operations for two weeks, but the Houthis have yet to agree.
The supreme national emergency committee informed that the case was diagnosed in the southern oil-producing region of Hadhramout.
The health authorities have said, “The patient is stable and receiving proper medical treatment,” adding “The medical teams have started taking necessary measures.” The authorities didn’t provide further details.
According to an international news agency, the UN humanitarian coordinator, Lise Grande has said that if the novel coronavirus spread in Yemen, the impact would be catastrophic.
She further said that the health status of at least half of the population was degraded and the country does not have sufficient supplies, capabilities or facilities.
Yemen is facing violence since the Iran-aligned Houthi movement overthrew the government in the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to intervene. The five-year-old conflict has killed more than 100,000 and pushed millions to the brink of famine.
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