Egypt’s Health Ministry on Tuesday confirmed 1,180 new coronavirus cases, bringing the country’s total up to 139,740.
The total number of COVID-19-related deaths has now reached 14,033 nationwide, after the ministry announced 61 deaths.
And 801 patients were discharged from quarantine at isolation hospitals, raising Egypt’s total number of fully-recovered cases to 178,241.
In response to climbing case numbers, the Egyptian cabinet on Wednesday announced that from May 6 to May 21, all restaurants, cafés, shops, and malls must close at 9 pm to prevent further spread of the virus.
Furthermore, all beaches and parks will be closed during the five-day Eid al-Fitr holiday, which begins April 12.
Cairo, Giza, Fayoum, Minya, and Sohag are the five governorates with the highest infection rates, according to Health Minister Hala Zayed.
Despite the ministry reporting a 75.5 percent increase in recovery rates, doctors and officials have warned the public to abide by coronavirus precautionary measures during the holy month of Ramadan, stating that social distancing is just as important as wearing a mask.
Egypt has banned Tahajjud prayers (night prayers) within mosques, their annexes, and their surroundings, only allowing Tarawih prayers.
Meanwhile, the virus continues to wreak havoc on business and tourism, with Alexandria reporting a meager 15 percent hotel occupancy rate. Additionally, 15 percent of the city’s restaurants have closed as a result of the pandemic.
Egypt’s vaccination campaign that began in January is still working to vaccinate medical staff, people over the age of 65, and those with chronic illnesses, but registration for the jab is open to all.
Egypt is currently using China’s Sinopharm vaccine and the UK’s AstraOxford vaccine. The Ministry of Health announced last week that it will soon begin producing Russia’s Sputnik V and China’s Sinovac vaccines at Vacsera.
