Health Ministry calls for adherence to precautionary measures as infections spiral in Egypt due to Omicron

CAIRO – 22 January 2022: The Ministry of Health is set to announce soon the statistics of infections with the Omicron mutant, especially that Omicron is the currently prevailing mutant in Egypt.

Hossam Hosni, head of the Scientific Committee to Combat Corona at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that an inventory of the numbers and statistics is currently being conducted locally. He added that Omicron mutant is rapidly spreading.

“There is a noticeable increase in Corona virus infections around the world, not only in Egypt, noting that the average number of Corona infections worldwide is about 700 thousand infections per day, noting that the recovery rate in isolation hospitals has reached for the first time in months, 83.5 percent.”

However, he noted that this gives an indication that the infections’ intensity is minor.

Although there is a remarkable increase in the number of corona infections, Hosni said that the death rate is still in the normal rates, which indicates that the Omicron mutant has relatively weak symptoms and similarity to the symptoms of normal influenza. He went on explaining that “the new mutant affects the upper respiratory system, and therefore is unable to reach the lungs like what happened in the case of infection with Delta mutant; thus reduces chronic symptoms associated with hospitalization, intensive care and oxygen demand.”

And he continued, that the rate of spread of a mutant or micron is very fast, where a person can infect 10 to 12 other people, even if he does not show symptoms, especially in closed places, where chances of spread is high.  

The numbers in Egypt increased due to the Omicron mutant, and the increase after the temporary decrease in numbers is considered regressive waves as a result of the mutant itself and its rate of spread worldwide, explaining: The Omicron mutant is present in Egypt and due to the cold weather, there is an overlap between the symptoms of the normal influenza and Omicron infection.

He further warned against any recklessness in dealing with precautions and safe distance in case they feel any of the symptoms.

For his part, Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, explained that the minister directed the necessity of facilitating the citizens in the procedures for receiving the vaccine, in a way that contributes to raising societal immunity and protecting citizens.

The spokesperson confirmed that 40.2 percent of the citizens have been vaccinated so far against Coronavirus, and that the state aims to vaccinate 70 percent during the coming period.

He further explained that the state has provided vaccines and is conducting continuous awareness for citizens, “and everyone who did not get the vaccine must quickly apply to get it, because the unvaccinated will remain the most vulnerable to infection and hospitalization."