Egypt reports 206 new coronavirus cases as gov’t concerned by new rise

CAIRO – 27 August 2020: Egypt has reported 206 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases on Wednesday, up from 89 cases on Saturday, the lowest since April 11, according to Egyptian Health Ministry’s figures, two days before an official decision to resume Muslim's Friday prayers in big mosques is set to come into effect.

The ministry also reported the death of 19 patients.

The Egyptian government on Wednesday has expressed concerns over the rise of coronavirus cases, after it significantly declined over the past few weeks,  down from 1,774 cases on June 19, the country’s highest daily count.

In a meeting with the health minister, Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli said the significant increase in coronavirus cases requires continuous application of preventive measures and punishing violators.

According to the Health Ministry’s figures, the total number of cases since the crisis started is 97,825, while the death toll is 5,317.

As many as 996 patients were discharged from isolation hospitals after receiving necessary medical care, taking the number of recovered cases to 68,713 so far, the ministry added.

The government has eased measures to combat coronavirus, including opening a number of well-known gardens, clubs, restaurants and cafes with a limited number of visitors. However, it has urged citizens to commit to wearing masks in public areas and maintaining social distancing. But a large number of citizens have been seen in crowded areas, without wearing masks.

Concerning the state’s efforts in dealing with the new coronavirus (COVID-19), President Abdel Fattah El Sisi earlier said that the country has achieved great success in facing the COVID-19 crisis, saying “the crisis was not severe, and the rates [of infection] were improved.”

He called upon the people to be pay attention to avoid the infection, in order to reach a zero infection nationwide.

“We must realize that there will be no complacency in dealing with the virus, because this will reflect on society [negatively]. Therefore, the society as citizens, agencies and the state must […] keep public health not affected […], especially in light of opening the schools in winter,” President Sisi said.

Prime Minster Mustafa Madbouly said that the country is seeking to reach zero-coronavirus cases in the coming period.