Sanaa is recording dozens of coronavirus cases daily, two health workers told Asharq Al-Awsat, adding that four cases tested positive for samples sent from the central Ibb governorate.
The Iran-backed Houthi militias continue to cover the truth about virus cases in areas under their control.
“They (Houthi militias) have transformed Sanaa into an epicenter for the coronavirus,” the two workers, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Other medical sources confirm that there are 130 confirmed cases in the Houthi-run Yemeni capital, and that 13 virus deaths were registered. These numbers do not match the disclosed data by Houthis, who have actively concealed coronavirus cases.
Houthis have only admitted to one virus death last Sunday.
Attempting to stem the spread of the coronavirus, Houthis locked down ten Sanaa neighborhoods for sterilization purposes.
Coronavirus screening teams confirm that dozens of cases have emerged since the discovery of the first case in early April. They confirmed that whole families have been infected in more than one Sanaa neighborhood.
This coincides with the Houthi-appointed health minister’s continued obduracy when it comes to disclosing information about the virus outbreak.
Yemen's Information Minister Muammar Al-Iryani warned against the Houthis’ continued manipulation of virus data, saying that this action puts the lives of millions of Yemenis in danger and inhibits international efforts to curb the pandemic.
Iryani slammed Houthis for dealing with the coronavirus crisis with a military and political approach, and said that the militias are looking to exploit international organizations.
According to reports from Sanaa and other Houthi-run areas, the number of positive cases predicts a catastrophe that threatens millions of Yemenis, Iryani said.
On the other hand, the internationally-recognized government headed by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi confirmed 26 coronavirus cases registered in areas under its control. It also confirmed five virus deaths so far.
