Coronavirus: Evacuation flight arrives in Egypt from US carrying 293 nationals

CAIRO – 3 April 2020: An exceptional flight took off from Washington to Egypt with 293 passengers and 13 babies on board, to evacuate Egyptians stranded in the United States over coronavirus, as the US has reported the highest counts of confirmed cases.

This comes while Egypt has suspended flights until April 15th as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of the novel virus.

The arrivals reached Marsa Alam International Airport in the southeastern Red Sea governorate. They were tested for coronavirus, a source said, and have been placed in quarantine for 14 days.









The Egyptian flag carrier EgyptAir has operated many flights, including from Kuwait, Britain, Oman and France to bring back Egyptians stranded in these countries, especially those who entered the country via visitor visas.

The Egyptian Health Ministry on Thursday has reported new 86 coronavirus cases, raising the total number of cases in the northeastern African country to 865. The total death toll reached 58, after the ministry confirmed six new deaths.

On the other hand, the ministry said the results of 282 cases turned to negative, including 201 who totally recovered.

In a press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said the Health Ministry has provided 1,000 fully equipped vehicles serving as mobile clinics, to test citizens nationwide for the novel virus.

The figures of people infected with coronavirus (COVID-19) in Egypt may increase during the next week, Madbouli noted, but they will still be within the middle safe range, as long as it is gradual.

He urged citizens inhabiting densely populated governorates to show further commitment to the preventive measures against the spread of the deadly virus.