Egypt
The fire started after a short circuit in the establishment’s air conditioning system.
Seven patients suffering from the new coronavirus died by asphyxiation in the fire of a private hospital in Alexandria (northern Egypt), a security source told AFP on Monday.
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Fire broke out on Monday at Badraoui hospital in the east of the coastal city, killing seven patients and wounding seven, including patients and carers, the source said.
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The fire, which started after a short circuit in the establishment’s air conditioning system, has since been brought under control, she added.
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An investigation was opened by the local prosecution.
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Still far from having reached its peak, the pandemic has severely tested the already dilapidated Egyptian infrastructure and health system.
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In addition to the increase in the number of infections in the medical profession, under-equipped and ill-prepared to deal with the virus, testimonies from people saying they cannot find a place in hospitals have recently multiplied on social networks.
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Authorities have reported more than 1,000 new infections every day since late May, and the medical union, which represents the profession, has warned of a “possible total collapse” of the health care system, accusing the health ministry of “negligence”. .
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Egypt, a country of 100 million people, has officially registered more than 65,000 cases of new coronavirus, including nearly 2,800 deaths, according to official figures.
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(pangs)
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