House committee of Egypt's parliament approves amendment of law to protect health of people

CAIRO, April 22 (MENA) – The Health Committee of the House of Representatives under Dr Mohamed El Amary has approved a draft on amending some articles of law 137 of 1958 on taking preventive measures against contagious diseases.

The approval came during a meeting by the committee on Wednesday to discuss the developments of COVID-19 and measures aimed at preventing its spread in the country.

The draft aims at developing the health measures to face the spread of the virus which poses a threat to public health.

Member of the committee Ayman Abul Ela hailed the bill, stressing the importance of passing it to fight the virus and protect the people from contagious diseases.

Abul Ela told MENA on the sidelines of the committee meeting that the patients and medics do not only suffer from the virus but also from societal bullying.

He said the bill allows health authorities to compel persons to use face masks and other protective tools outside their homes calling for providing the masks and medical tools used in fighting the virus for all people.

It also enables the health authorities to take measures necessary for dealing with dead bodies by honoring their dignity and respecting the social and religious aspects.