Coronavirus: Yemen reports first three cases, one death in Lahaj province

Aden – Yemen on Wednesday reported the first three cases of the novel coronavirus in the southern province of Lahaj, one of whom has died, and another infection in the southern port of Aden.

The emergency coronavirus committee of Yemen’s Arab-backed government also said one COVID-19 patient diagnosed earlier in Taiz province had died. This takes the total count in areas under control of the internationally recognized government to 25 infections with five deaths.

The Iran-backed Houthi movement, which controls the capital Sanaa and most big urban centers, has so far reported one infection, a Somali national who was found dead in a hotel.

Yemen has been divided since the Houthis ousted the Arab-backed government from power in Sanaa in late 2014, prompting a Saudi-led military coalition to intervene against the group.

The five-year war has shattered the health system and left Yemen’s population weakened by widespread hunger and disease.

Reuters