Egyptian President urges more coronavirus awareness campaigns

CAIRO – 20 May 2020: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has called for more awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to adhere to the preventive measures required to curb the spread of coronavirus, as he met with the prime minister on Wednesday, the Presidency said.

This comes while Egypt saw a striking surge in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, as it has recorded 745 cases on Wednesday — 219 cases more than Monday. This brought the total number of cases in the northeastern African country to 14,229.

During the meeting, Sisi urged the continuous update of coronavirus treatment protocols in all relevant health institutions nationwide, in accordance with the latest scientific developments.

The meeting discussed the latest developments in the state’s anti-coronavirus efforts and the preventive measures that is set to be applied during Muslim’s Eid Al-Fitr’s holiday, which is expected to start on Saturday night this year.

The president also reviewed the state’s efforts to conduct clinical trials in this regard.



The Health Ministry on Wednesday also reported 21 deaths due to the novel virus (COVID-19), bringing the death toll to 680.

The test results of 4,584 people turned from positive to negative, the ministry said, including 3,994 people who totally recovered. It added that 252 patients left hospitals.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli has issued a bill obliging employees and other people in markets, government institutions and banks to wear masks or face a fine of LE 4,000 ($254).

As Muslims gather during the Eid prayers twice a year in massive numbers inside and around mosques, Madbouli said the Eid prayers will not be held this year as they will only be broadcast from one of the state's mosques, with the attendance of few employees who work in this mosque.

A night curfew between 5 p.m and 6 a.m. will be imposed between Sunday, May 24th and Friday, May 29th, he added.

Also, all shopping centers, malls, restaurants, beaches and parks will be closed, Madbouli said. Also, public transportation will be halted.