The numbers of infections due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Egypt has started to rise again, after the country reported a decline over the past two weeks.
Experts and health officials have pointed to the nationwide easing of precautionary measures against the pandemic as contributing to the rise in infections.
According to figures announced on Friday by the Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt recorded 223 new cases and 20 new fatalities due to the virus. The figures bring the country’s total to 98,285 cases and 5,362 deaths. A total of 70,419 cases have recovered and been discharged from quarantine facilities at hospitals.
The National Committee for Combating the Coronavirus said that the reason behind the rise in cases is due to citizens not adhering to the precautionary and preventive measures.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Spokesperson, Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, said that the National Research Centre (NRC) is studying four different vaccines against the coronavirus.
In televised remarks, Abdel Ghaffar added that the ministry has finalised all animal-based clinical trials, and filed a document with the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) to gain approval on starting a vaccine’s manufacture.
He pointed out that the relevant state bodies are working on securing shares in any vaccines that have a proven effectiveness in treating coronavirus patients.
