Egypt is expected to record zero infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by mid-September, according to Dr Hossam Hosni, Head of the Ministry of Health’s Scientific Committee to Combat Coronavirus.
Hosni stressed that the virus will not disappear, but that infection rates will decline owing to the level of awareness among Egyptians and the efficiency of the country’s healthcare professionals.
On Sunday, the Ministry of Health reported 479 new coronavirus cases, and 48 new deaths. The country’s total number of confirmed cases reached 92,062 cases, with 4,606 fatalities. A total of 33,831 cases have recovered and been discharged from quarantine facilities at hospitals.
In televised statements on Sunday, Hosni added that the awareness among citizens has succeeded in halting the spread of the coronavirus.
However, Hosni noted, “I am not concerned with zero infections, but we are interested in reaching zero fatalities.”
He pointed out that a second surge of the virus is expected to happen after the world creates treatments for it.
According to the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that the disappearance of symptoms 10 days after infection is an indication of the patient’s recovery from the virus.
Meanwhile, Dr Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din, Adviser to the President for Health and Prevention, said that Egypt’s number of infections is declining as expected. This follows on from the high numbers of infections and fatalities that had previously been reported.
The Ministry of Health has warned citizens from the excessive use of vitamins and medication hoping to cure or prevent infection with the coronavirus. In a statement, the ministry said that the uncontrolled use of medication could negatively affect human health, and should be taken under medical supervision.
