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Chaos in intensive care units, emergency care in the corridor, nurses at the end of their tether.
The images are like many months ago, when no or insufficient vaccine was available.
But right now the most violent corona wave is rolling across the country in Romania.
Andi Nodit, Head of Bagdarsar Arseni Hospital:
»Compared to previous waves, it is like comparing a snowman with an iceberg.
And the fourth wave is the iceberg.
What is happening is gigantic.
The extent and seriousness of the situation in the emergency room and in the hospital go far beyond what I can describe at this point in time. "
The nationwide incidence is around 550 and it continues to rise.
The peak so far was just over 300, in November.
Vaccines have been available for more than nine months.
So how is it possible that the situation in an EU country escalates like never before?
Ion Dinu, pensioner, 69 years old:
"I am not completely convinced that the vaccine - how do I put it in comparison with the flu vaccine - that this vaccine works."
Denisa, student, 18 years:
“Yes, I think we would still have gotten sick here.
I believe that.
Because even if you are vaccinated, you will still get sick.
It's not like you get vaccinated and then you don't get sick at all. "
Much like these people in a small village near the capital Bucharest, so are many in Romania.
You are skeptical about the vaccination.
In addition, there is an underdeveloped infrastructure in rural areas and a poor information campaign.
The result: In the entire EU, around 64 percent of all people are fully vaccinated, in Romania it is just 30 percent.
Neighbor Bulgaria is the only EU country with an even lower value.
The regret about the decision not to be vaccinated often only comes in the hospital.
Elena Croitoru, patient:
“I said let's wait and see.
But that wasn't right.
I regret it now.
If I could start all over again, I'd be first in line. "
But not only the hospitals are feeling the effects.
As the number of cases and severe courses increases, so do the deaths.
Sebastian Cocos, owner of a funeral home:
»The first corona wave was okay.
We didn't notice them that much.
But the fourth wave hit us with great force.
The number of cases has increased at an alarming rate.
I recommend everyone to get vaccinated. "
Reporter: And if not?
Sebastian Cocos, owner of a funeral home:
"
Then they'll end up here with us."
This October, someone dies of or with Covid every five minutes in Romania.
With the exception of the small Caribbean island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, there are currently no more Covid deaths in any country in the world than in the EU country.
Sebastian Cocos, owner of a funeral home:
Many stories stay in your head.
We have had families who buried four loved ones within two weeks.
That's not that easy.
Reporter: Did you have Covid-19?
Sebastian Cocos, owner of a funeral home:
Yes, exactly.
The clinic director of the Bagdarsar Arseni Hospital draws a bitter conclusion:.
Andi Nodit, head of the Bagdarsar-Arseni Hospital:
"In view of the vaccination progress and the speed at which people have declined vaccination requests, this fourth wave was foreseeable."
There is no end in sight to the situation.
Because with such a high incidence and such a low vaccination rate, one thing is clear: many more patients will follow in the next few weeks.