Bulgaria has said it is days away from sending coronavirus patients abroad as a vicious fourth wave overwhelms its health system and forces neighbouring Romania to ramp up restrictions, reports AP.

Health Minister Stoycho Katsarov told the Nova TV channel that if the current rate of infections was not stemmed in 10 to 15 days, there would be “enormous problems”.

“Our capacity in terms of staff and ventilators has been practically exhausted, we will have to seek help from abroad,” he said. “Talks are underway with the EU to transfer patients to other countries if it comes to that.”

Katsarov has also warned a lockdown cannot be ruled out.

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