Egyptian journalist, dialysis patient, dies of coronavirus: Syndicate

CAIRO – 18 May 2020: The Egyptian Press Syndicate on Monday mourned the death of another journalist of its members after contracting coronavirus (COVID-19), as Egypt has recorded 510 coronavirus cases on Sunday, its highest daily rise so far.

Mohiey El-Din Saeed, who worked at the El-Kawmiah Distribution Company of the state’s National Press Foundation, had suffered from kidney failure and had received dialysis three times a week for many years, a statement by Ayman Abdel Maguid, a top official at the syndicate said.

On May 12, Saeed headed to the Galaa Hospital, Cairo, which is affiliated to the Armed Forces, to receive dialysis. Undergoing preventive measures, his temperature was found to be higher than normal, the statement said.

Saeed was then transferred to the Abbasia Fever Hospital, placed in the intensive care unit and was found to be positive to coronavirus. His health condition has deteriorated until he passed away this afternoon, according to the statement.

Journalist Mahmoud Riad Abujabal, the head of Sports desk at EL Khamis online portal, died from coronavirus late in April. He is the first journalist of the Syndicate’s members to die of the virus in Egypt. Three weeks ago, he and his family tested positive for the novel virus and were quarantined in al-Agoza hospital, in Giza.

The Health Ministry on Sunday said 510 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Egypt recently, bringing the total number of cases to 12,229.

The ministry also reported 18 deaths due to the novel virus, bringing the total number to 630.

Also, the test results of 3,742 people turned from positive to negative, the ministry said, including 3,172 people who totally recovered. It added that 222 patients left hospitals after recovery.