Egypt’s Minister of Health and Population Hala Zayed reported, on Monday, the first cases of delta plus variant of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

“The first case we observed with the delta variant was in July. She was for a woman and her condition did not require hospitalisation. We also identified other cases with a travel history outside Egypt,” she stated.

During a press conference, Zayed explained that the delta variant was discovered in all countries of the world, and the infections were mild and recovered through the traditional treatment protocol.

She also announced updating the country’s treatment protocol for coronavirus, adding the “Monoclonal antibody drug”. 

Monoclonal antibody is one of the most powerful production lines in the world and achieved cure rates of 95% with severe and moderate cases. Total of 15,000 doses at a value of $50 m are already available in Egypt, according to Zayed.

The minister confirmed the completion of the production of 15 million doses of the “Sinovac-VACSERA” vaccine, which will be provided to vaccination centres starting on Tuesday.

She pointed out that vaccination rollout was intensified during May and June, as the tourism sector workers were fully vaccinated in tourist cities.

Total of 10 million citizens have registered on the Ministry’s website to receive the vaccines, and 7.5 million were vaccinated. 

In the coming few days, 100% of the registered citizens will receive their first doses in conjunction with the launch of the Sinovac-VACSERA vaccine nationwide.

The number of vaccination centres has been increased to 657 instead of 580 centres, and the number of travel vaccination centres reached 145 from 134 centres.

Regarding the school year, the Minister stressed that no one will be allowed to enter universities or schools without a vaccination proof.