Syrian doctors are facing a "terrible" spike in coronavirus infections with hosptials packed and patients scouring Facebook for medical advice.

Authorities have confirmed nearly 1000 cases this week with 48 deaths but say the virus is spreading faster than testing capability.

Syria's health system is under intense pressure after nine years of war, with hospitals damaged by bombing, vital equipment lacking and doctors hurt or forced to flee fighting.

That has set the country up poorly to deal with the coronavirus, a new invisible danger for doctors more accustomed to dealing with trauma wounds and victims used to huddling together under bombs, not keeping apart.

Week on week, COVID-19 appears to be spreading faster.

From July 30 to August 6, the Syrian health ministry logged more than 260 new cases, compared to only 154 infections the previous week.

“There has been a massive spread among cities,” the ministry admits, saying there are only 25,000 hospital beds available in government-controlled areas.

“It’s extremely terrifying,” said Dr. Nubugh al-Awa, dean of Damascus University’s medical school.

“Many people are going to state-run hospitals but unfortunately all the rooms are full,” Awa told a health-focused Facebook page updating Syrians on coronavirus cases in their country.

“Patients in a bad state are not admitted to the intensive care unit unless another patients dies.”

– Wires