Yemen's Health Ministry announced the opening of 27 quarantine centers in nine governorates on Thursday to cope with the potential spread of COVID-19 in the country. 

The ministry has opened quarantine centers in the governorates of Al-Mahra, Hadhramout, Abyan, Lahj, Marib, Taiz, Shabwa, Al-Dhale and Aden, and plans to open more, Dr. Ali Al-Waleedi told government-run Saba News agency. Al-Waleedi is spokesman for the High Emergency Committee, which was established to counter the spread of coronavirus.

COVID-19 testing labs have been opened in Aden, Taiz and Mukalla city, and more units will be opened in Al-Mahra and Marib, as well as in Seiyun town in northern Hadhramout, the ministry said. 

To help strengthen each governorate’s rapid response teams, the ministry plans to provide each governorate under its control with 16 health workers trained to handle COVID-19 cases. 

According to Al-Waleedi, 81 ambulances, as well as financial assistance, will also be distributed. Yemen’s first and only confirmed case of COVID-19 was announced April 10 in Al-Sheher port in Hadhramout governorate. 

"[The patient’s condition] is stable and he is receiving care at the Mukalla quarantine center," according to the ministry statement. 

The World Health Organization is assisting medical staff in Hadhramout to follow up with the patient and test anyone who may have been exposed.

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Editing by Ahlam Mohsen and Casey Coombs