The Ministry of Health announced on Monday 535 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, and 15 new deaths. The latest figures bring the country’s total confirmed cases to 12,764, with 3,440 recoveries, and 645 fatalities.
Also on Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that Egypt now tops Africa’s total coronavirus death rate, whilst coming in second regarding the total number cases. The WHO has based its reports on the country’s figures from Saturday.
It revealed that there have been over 84,000 confirmed coronavirus cases across the continent, with more than 32,000 recoveries and 2,700 deaths.
The WHO said, “Data may reflect references in reporting methods, retrospective data consolidation, and reporting delays.”
Meanwhile, Cairo International Airport’s Logistics Centre has closed, after 15 cases of the coronavirus were detected, local media reports.
Minya’s Health Directorate announced on Monday a total of 16 new coronavirus cases in the governorate, adding that the new cases were transferred to quarantine hospitals in Mallawi and Assiut. The residential houses and streets surrounding the residences of the new cases have been disinfected and sterilised as part of precautionary measures.
The quarantine hospital in Mallawi also announced that five coronavirus cases have recovered, including three from Beni Suef, one from Fayoum and a female patient from Minya.
Cabinet Spokesperson Nader Saad said that most countries that enter the stage of coexistence with the virus have imposed fines on those who do not wear masks in public. Saad’s statement came as Egypt gears up to the mandatory wearing of face masks in public areas at the end of May.
He added in televised statements with the “Cairo Now” TV show on Sunday that the government will ensure citizens can access affordable face masks before they become mandatory in public spaces.
Saad revealed that the government and garment factories have cooperated on producing fabric masks will cost no more than EGP 5 per piece. He added that the masks match the Ministry of Health’s standard specifications, and could be used several times in a one-month period.
He added that Uber, minibuses, and taxis will be excluded from the suspension of public transportation during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday.
On Sunday, the government tightened nationwide precautionary measures for the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, to limit the spread of the coronavirus and avoid further infections. This includes extending the night time curfew to between 17:00 and 6:00.
The move was seen as particularly important as religious celebrations, particularly the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, tends to see extensive crowding.
Following the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, the curfew will return to the 20:00 to 6:00 timing for a two-week period. From 2 June, the country will gradually return to normal life with certain precautionary measures in place.
