Egypt’s COVID-19 Cases Stabilize as Country Readies for Eid

Arab World

July 22nd, 7:10am

Cairo - Asharq Al-Awsat

Egyptians gather in front of the Central Public Health Laboratories in downtown Cairo as they wait to get tested for the coronavirus (COVID-19) on March 8, 2020. AFP

The Egyptian authorities called on residents to respect precautionary measures during celebrations of Eid Al-Adha as the country's coronavirus cases witnessed a steady decline in the past few days. On Tuesday, the Egyptian Health Ministry reported 50 new deaths from COVID-19, bringing the death toll to 4,352. The Ministry said in a statement that 627 new COVID-19 infections were confirmed, raising the total cases registered in the country to 88,402. In a move to confront the impact of the coronavirus on the economy, the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population signed a cooperation protocol with the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) and Banque Misr to support the health sector with LE 60 million. Ministry spokesperson Khaled Mujahid said the money will be allocated to purchase a number of CT scans, for the benefit of hospitals designated to receive suspected cases of the novel coronavirus. Also, the Health Ministry welcomed Parliament’s approval of amendments that increase allowance for medical professionals. Meanwhile, EgyptAir announced Tuesday it will raise the number of its international destinations to 35 starting August, while increasing domestic trips to stimulate local tourism such as by transporting holiday-makers eager to enjoy the coming Eid holiday, announced the carrier’s chairman Roshdy Zakaria. This came as the education ministry announced that Egypt's 2020/2021 school year will start on October 17. However, no decision has yet been taken if students will return to classrooms full-time.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2404356/egypt%E2%80%99s-covid-19-cases-stabilize-country-readies-eid