“Hospitals across the country received 515 people with breathing difficulties. There were no deaths and most of the patients have been discharged,” said Said al-Badr, spokesperson for the ministry.

Health Minister Saleh al-Hasnawi said that orders were issued for “health facilities to be on alert”.

Al Hanawi added that the Health Ministry stockpiled cannisters of oxygen at facilities in hard-hit areas. (ILKHA)