Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population on Saturday reported 173 new coronavirus cases, nine deaths, and 211 recoveries.
A total of 286,168 cases have been reported in Egypt, alongside 16,663 deaths and 235,635 recoveries.
Daily figures indicate that cases are beginning to steadily rise again – officials warn against a fourth wave of the virus if the number of infections continues to increase.
In June, Egypt’s Supreme Committee for the Management of Coronavirus Crisis lifted some COVID-19 restrictions, including a nine pm business curfew that had been in place since early May.
The committee, headed by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, agreed that restaurants, cafes, shops, and malls may return to summer working hours. Businesses may now also operate at 75 percent capacity.
However, there are still rules in place.
Any facility that violates summer hours will receive a fine and be subject to close for two weeks. Repeat violators will be shut down for a month, the committee warned.
Furthermore, restaurants and cafes may not serve shisha (hookah), religious celebrations are banned, and weddings must be held in open areas.
Egypt is also preparing for the imminent arrival of the delta variant, which has been sweeping through neighboring countries. Health officials have warned the public to continue to mask up and keep distance.
World Health Organization data states that 6.4 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in Egypt, which has a population of 104 million.
The Health Ministry is currently working to issue QR-coded vaccination certificates for Egyptians and foreigners that receive their doses in the country.
According to the ministry, the certificate costs LE100 for Egyptians and US$10 for non-Egyptians.
