Death rate caused by the new coronavirus is rising in Yemen's Sanaa, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said in a press release on Thursday. This came as Houthis only reported four COVID-19 cases and one death.

"It’s most evident in the intensive care unit in Sanaa, which has 15 beds and has been full most of the time for the last four weeks, and where the team have witnessed a high rate of deaths," said MSF, warning that the virus is clearly circulating widely across Yemen.

MSF’s Head of Mission in Yemen Claire HaDuong said there is a wave of fear and denial regarding the virus among Yemenis.

“There has been a strange mixture of fear and denial about the virus here,” she stressed, noting that people don't want to accept the possibility that the virus could arrive, or that it was already circulating.

"Five years of fighting had caused Yemen’s healthcare system to collapse in large parts... Now COVID-19 has made that collapse complete, with many hospitals closing for fear of the virus," added HaDuong.

She also expressed fear that many people would die due to the absence of a proper healthcare.

“Many people will die of this virus, but we fear that many others will also die from what should have been preventable deaths, because healthcare is simply not available.”

HaDuong called on local authorities to facilitate the work of international organizations like MSF.

“The local authorities need to facilitate the work of international organisations like MSF who are working with them to respond to the virus,” said HaDuong.

“They need to ensure the entry of medical supplies and international staff to reinforce teams on the ground.”

Yemen has, registered 564 confirmed virus cases, including 130 deaths and 25 recoveries.