The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population confirmed on Thursday 445 new coronavirus cases, up from 421 on Wednesday.
The ministry also announced 22 virus-related deaths and 207 recovering cases.
Egypt has now recorded a total of 120,147 confirmed cases, 104,281 recovered cases, and 6,854 virus-related deaths.
Government officials continue to urge the public to adhere to precautionary measures against the virus, and the Egyptian Cabinet has called on authorities to strictly enforce the country’s mask mandate, which applies to all public transportation and indoor public spaces.
Those who do not wear a mask in the designated areas could face a fine of up to LE4,000.
Additionally, new curfew hours for retail shops, restaurants, and cafes went into effect on December 1 in an attempt to limit the spread of the virus and standardize operating hours of businesses across the country.
Furthermore, the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church decided on Sunday to suspend mass service in Cairo and Alexandria, as well as Sunday school services and church meetings in response to the surge of cases.
The Cabinet remains confident on its handling of the second wave of the virus, citing on Saturday a Bloomberg report showing that Egypt ranked second best among Arab countries in dealing with the pandemic.
Egypt has yet to reach Europe or US-like figures, however, testing in the country is not widely accessible or affordable for the average Egyptian.
On Thursday, the country received its first shipment of a coronavirus vaccine from the Chinese company Sinopharm, which is said to be 86 percent effective.
