Egypt’s ongoing decline in the number of infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is expected and real, according to Dr Jihan Al-Assal, Deputy Chairperson of the Scientific Committee to Combat Coronavirus.
Al-Assal explained that the decline in cases does not mean a decrease in detection tests, but rather a decline in the virus’ spread among citizens.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Health reported 167 new coronavirus cases, and 21 new deaths. The country’s total number of confirmed cases reached 95,314 cases, with 4,992 fatalities. A total of 51,672 cases have recovered and been discharged from quarantine facilities at hospitals.
In televised statements on Saturday, Al-Assal added that, at the beginning of the pandemic’s spread in Egypt in late February, the Ministry of Health had conducted tests for all suspected cases reporting coronavirus symptoms.
After implementing the home isolation strategy, however, the treatment protocol changed to focus on confirmed cases, with severe cases referred to isolation hospitals for treatment.
“The accuracy of the first test is no more than 60% in the case of suspicion,” she said.
She further noted that the ministry is now conducting tests at isolation hospitals only for those suffering from the virus. Non-acute, or mild, cases are recommended to isolate at home where they can undergo the treatment protocol there, with no need to go to hospital.
Al-Assal pointed out the virus has mutated and is now causing symptoms that affect the heart, kidneys, and other parts of the body, rather than just the respiratory system. Egyptian doctors are dealing with these symptoms and have expected them, she added.
She further warned that some citizens have started to return to daily life without taking into account the recommended precautionary measures against infections. The health official noted that this may cause an increase in the number of COVID-19 infection again.
