Egypt’s Health Ministry on Wednesday reported 421 new coronavirus cases, up from 392 the day before.
A sharp spike in the death toll took place yesterday, with 28 virus-related deaths recorded. The number of reported deaths had been hovering in the teens, with 16 reported on Tuesday.
The country’s total number of reported cases is now up to 116,724, with 102,949 patients reported as recovered and 6,6594 dying from virus-related causes.
After stabilizing over the summer, case numbers of the virus in Egypt are steadily increasing. Wednesday’s case number is the highest it has been since July 28.
Government officials continue to urge the public to adhere to precautionary measures against the virus, and Prime Minister Madboudly has called on authorities to strictly enforce the country’s mask mandate, which applies to all public transportation and indoor public spaces.
On November 21, Transit police began enforcing the mask mandate on Cairo’s metro. Traffic officials are also issuing tickets to operators of microbuses and taxis for failing to wear masks.
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 Tuesday in an attempt to limit the spread of the virus and standardize operating hours of businesses in the country.
In response to public worry about the the country’s supply of medicine and medical equipment, the Egyptian Cabinet announced that hospitals are in fact ready to tackle a second wave of the virus.
Egypt has yet to reach Europe or US-like figures, but testing in the country is not widely accessible or affordable for the average Egyptian.
A number of countries that have witnessed an aggressive second wave are currently employing severe lockdown measures.
Edited Translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
