Egyptian Health min. warns of possible 2nd coronavirus wave as safety measures widely ignored

CAIRO – 27 August 2020: Egypt’s Health Minister Hala Zayed on Wednesday warned of some citizens’ lax behavior during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, including not committing to wearing masks in crowded areas and public transportation, saying it may lead to a second wave of the pandemic in the northeastern African country.

This comes as Egypt on the same day has reported 206 new coronavirus cases, up from 89 cases on Saturday, the lowest since April 11, according to Egyptian Health Ministry’s figures, two days before an official decision to resume Muslim's Friday prayers in big mosques is set to come into effect.

The ministry also reported the death of 19 patients.

In a meeting with Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli, Zayed reviewed the measures that should be taken during the coming period, in light of the new rise in coronavirus cases, including being prepared for all probable scenarios. These steps shall include following a presidential initiative to treat chronic diseases, which put the lives of coronavirus patients at higher risk of severe symptoms and death.

Zayed also called for continuing to aware citizens of the need to follow the preventive measures in this regard and applying penalties on violators.

Madbouli said the significant increase in coronavirus cases requires citizens to be cautious and pushes continuous application of preventive measures and a need to continue punishing violators.

According to the Health Ministry’s figures, the total number of cases since the crisis started is 97,825, while the death toll is 5,317.

As many as 996 patients were discharged from isolation hospitals after receiving necessary medical care, taking the number of recovered cases to 68,713 so far, the ministry added.

The government has eased measures to combat coronavirus, including opening a number of well-known gardens, clubs, restaurants and cafes with a limited number of visitors. However, it has urged citizens to commit to wearing masks in public areas and maintaining social distancing. But a large number of citizens have been seen in crowded areas, without wearing masks.