It is too hard to say if Egypt has passed the peak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, according to Dr Hossam Hosni, head of the Scientific Committee to Combat Coronavirus.
Hosni added that to predict the timing of the infections’ peak, the number of cases should be stable for an entire week.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health reported 1,025 new coronavirus cases, and 75 new deaths. The country’s total number of confirmed cases reached 78,304 cases, and a total of 3,564 fatalities, according to Ministry of Health. A total of 22,241 cases have recovered and been discharged from quarantine facilities at hospitals.
In televised statements on Tuesday evening, Hosni added that there are local clinical studies which have been conducted on drugs and vaccines for treating the virus. The initial results of these trials are promising and “we are close to producing these drugs”, he said.
Hosni indicated that the pandemic’s severity has gradually decreased compared to past weeks, and it is necessary to preserve this achievement. He called on citizens to remain respectful of the state-imposed precautionary measures to curb the infection’s spread.
He pointed out that good news is expected regarding Egyptian-produced drugs aimed at treating the coronavirus. He noted that malaria drug hydroxychloroquine was being used with only critical cases.
Hydroxychloroquine is part of Egypt’s treatment protocol for the coronavirus, but it is only provided according to the status of each case. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the drug has not been effective in curing patients with the virus.
Meanwhile, Dr Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din, Advisor to the President for Health and Prevention, said that medications and beds are available at hospitals across the country. He added that Egypt also has a strategic stock of medicines if needed.
Tag El-Din pointed out that the pandemic is still spreading globally, and it is necessary to adhere to social distancing rules and stay away from crowded areas. He stressed the importance of wearing face masks and remaining committed to personal hygiene and preventive measures.
