A positive coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnosis has been made at a hotel in the Red Sea governorate, according to Red Sea Governor Major General Amr Hanafi.
Domestic tourism has only just started making a return in the past few weeks, with hotels gradually starting to reopen, following closures to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Egypt.
In televisied remarks on Saturday evening, Hanafi pointed out that the new case was detected in a hotel at a resort, and that only six or seven individuals were present at the hotel at the time.
The hotel was among roughly 40 hotels, catering to approximately 2,000 visitors, that reopened following an easing of government restrictions on domestic tourism, Hanafi added.
He said that the new infection was immediately quarantined, and all measures were taken to avoid the further spread of the virus.
Hanafi added that, if the reopening of hotels under government-led health requirements succeeds, the occupancy rate will be increased from 25% to 50%.
Earlier in May, Egypt announced that it will allow hotels and tourist resorts to reopen to domestic tourism at a maximum occupancy rate of 25%. This must take place with a full commitment to specific health requirements.
The requirements state that each hotel has to provide an on-site clinic and doctor, whilst allocating a small area or floor as a quarantine bay in case positive coronavirus diagnoses are made.
Other requirements include the installation of hand sterilisation equipment at hotel entrances, and either electronic check-in procedures or the provision of single-use pens for guests.
Luggage will also be sterilised upon arrival and departure from the hotel, with regular temperature checks of guests each time they enter the premises.
In the upcoming cabinet meeting, Egypt will also consider the reopening of airports and return of international flights, according to cabinet spokesperson Nader Saad.
Saad said during televised remarks on Saturday that the government is expected to discuss the gradual return of international flights. These will likely happen either in the second half of June or the first half of July, with all required precautionary measures undertaken.
