‘A perfect storm’: Lebanon warns of coronavirus surge after Beirut port explosion as healthcare system on its knees

Exclusive: Country's health minister says 'great danger' crisis will deepen after four key hospitals destroyed in blast

Four of Beirut's hospitals were badly damaged by the explosion (REUTERS)

Lebanon faces a “dangerous” surge in coronavirus cases that will overwhelm its battered healthcare system, the country’s health minister warned after Tuesday’s explosion in Beirut destroyed medical supply depots at the port, as well four key hospitals.

The country was in the middle of a second lockdown due to a spike in Covid-19 infections when the blast struck killing 145 people and injuring 5,000 more.

In the aftermath of the disaster the health ministry on Thursday announced 255 new coronavirus cases, a record daily high.