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14 Jun 2020 | 09:24 AM UTC

Egypt: Authorities record highest daily increase of COVID-19 cases to date June 14 /update 28

Egyptian Health Ministry records highest daily increase of COVID-19 cases to date on June 14; further spread of the virus is expected in the near term

Warning

Event

The Egyptian Health Ministry on Sunday, June 14, recorded the highest 24-hour increase of positive cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The latest increase of 1677 cases brings the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide to 42,980 with 1484 associated deaths.

The announcement comes as Egyptian authorities announced that they will allow scheduled international flights to resume operations and foreign tourist resorts to reopen in coastal areas from July 1. Resorts will only be allowed to operate at a limited capacity and will need to prove their ability to implement strict mitigation measures.

The wearing of face masks remains mandatory in closed public spaces as of June 14, including in government buildings, private offices, malls, retail outlets, as well as public transport including private taxis. Fines may be applied for non-compliance to government directives.

Authorities have slightly reduced the imposed nighttime curfew by one hour between 20:00 and 04:00 (local time) with immediate effect as of Thursday, June 11.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

  • Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
  • When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
  • If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.