Syria: "In a state just before the maximum alert" - Damascus hospital director on 3rd COVID wave, from Ruptly, 3 April 2021. The medical staff of Damascus Hospital (also known as Al Mujtahid) revealed the upward curve of COVID-19 infection rate in the third wave of the pandemic, Thursday. All beds in isolation rooms and intensive care units at the hospital were seen fully occupied with patients many of whom were on artificial respiration. "We are currently facing the third wave of COVID-19 since the beginning of March – three weeks so far. We have witnessed a significant increase in the number of patients admitted to isolation rooms, sometimes up to 50-60 patients per day. This put the isolation wards under heavy pressure, especially with the huge numbers of patients who need to be connected to breathing machines," Director General of Damascus Hospital, Doctor Ahmad Abbas said. "As you all know, the minister of health ordered the halt of unnecessary surgeries. We have opened new isolation wards. Currently, we have two isolation units with a capacity of 12-16 beds with ventilators, in addition to three isolation wards with a maximum capacity of 60 patients. At this moment, we are in a state just before the maximum alert. In case this wave continues, we have plan C ready to be carried out, which is opening new isolation wards and increasing the number of medical staff to care for patients," he added. A few days ago, the Syrian Ministry of Health issued a decision to halt all unnecessary surgeries in all hospitals, ordering all hospitals to work in full capacity to treat COVID-19 patients as the third wave of the pandemic hit the country. According to the latest figures issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Health, the country has registered 18,909 cases of coronavirus, with 1,265 deaths with the disease. --- SOT, Ahmad Abbas, Director General of Damascus Hospital (Arabic): "We are currently facing the third wave of COVID-19 since the beginning of March – three weeks so far. We have witnessed a significant increase in the number of patients admitted to isolation rooms, sometimes up to 50-60 patients per day. This put the isolation wards under heavy pressure, especially with the huge numbers of patients who need to be connected to breathing machines. Due to the sanctions and inequitable economic blockade on our beloved country, we struggle to sufficiently secure ventilators." SOT, Ahmad Abbas, Director General of Damascus Hospital (Arabic): "Regarding other issues, and supporting by friendly and brotherly countries, we have been able to maintain medicines and oxygen. All pertinent matters are under control until now." SOT, Ahmad Abbas, Director General of Damascus Hospital (Arabic): "As you all know, the minister of health ordered the ha ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVMclHtGtEw