Yemen reports first case

Yemen reported its first case of the novel coronavirus yesterday as aid groups try to prepare for an outbreak in a country where war has shattered the health system and spread hunger and disease.

The news came after a nationwide ceasefire prompted by the virus pandemic began on Thursday. A Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Houthi movement announced it would halt military operations for two weeks, though the Houthis have yet to agree.

The case was diagnosed in the southern oil-producing region of Hadhramout.

If the virus spreads in Yemen, the impact would be "catastrophic", as the health status of at least half the population is "very degraded" and the country does not have sufficient supplies, capabilities or facilities, its UN humanitarian coordinator, Lise Grande, told Reuters.