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Egypt Govt Vows to Be Firm in Implementing Virus Preventive Measures

The Egyptian government meets virtually on Wednesday. (Egyptian government)
The Egyptian government meets virtually on Wednesday. (Egyptian government)
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Egypt Govt Vows to Be Firm in Implementing Virus Preventive Measures

The Egyptian government meets virtually on Wednesday. (Egyptian government)
The Egyptian government meets virtually on Wednesday. (Egyptian government)

The Egyptian government has pledged to be firm in implementing preventive measures as coronavirus infections topped 127,000.

Health Minister Hala Zayed said this week has seen a surge in the COVID-19 cases, noting that 7,000 virus deaths were reported in eleven months.

During a cabinet session on Wednesday, Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly stressed the importance of implementing the preventive measures to curb the pandemic and firmly penalize violators.

All ministries and relevant authorities have been clearly ordered to take the necessary measures against violators, the PM said.

This comes in line with the state’s attempts to avoid a complete lockdown and its economic impact, especially on the people, he explained, adding that Cairo, will not accept any leniency in implementing the measures.

Madbouly directed the ministers of health and higher education to prepare a sufficient number of hospitals for isolation and provide the necessary treatment for COVID-19 patients.

He also decided to cancel new year celebrations and gatherings as part of the precautionary measures to confront the pandemic.

Zayed briefed the cabinet on the latest developments related to the coronavirus outbreak in Egypt.

She noted the growing number of infections, tackled hospital readiness to receive COVID-19 patients and efforts to support the medical sector.

“There are 364 equipped hospitals, including about 35,000 beds, about 5,000 ICU beds and 2,400 respirators,” she said, adding that 200 new ventilators were provided to be distributed for hospitals across the country.

Regarding COVID-19 vaccines, Zayed confirmed that “tests on the vaccine will be completed by the National Organization for Drug Control and Research by next week.”

She further pointed out that the World Health Organization has launched a series of trainings for coronavirus health service providers on how to administer the vaccine, adding that the ministry is coordinating with the organization to train its health care professionals.

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Lebanon President Rejects ‘Seeking Foreign Help’

Aoun meets the Maronite Foundation student delegation. Photo: Lebanese presidency
Aoun meets the Maronite Foundation student delegation. Photo: Lebanese presidency
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Lebanon President Rejects ‘Seeking Foreign Help’

Aoun meets the Maronite Foundation student delegation. Photo: Lebanese presidency
Aoun meets the Maronite Foundation student delegation. Photo: Lebanese presidency

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday said seeking foreign backing against domestic rivals was “unacceptable” and urged unity to confront regional challenges, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam pledged to press ahead with rebuilding efforts and ensure the state alone controls weapons.

Aoun, speaking to student delegations from the Maronite Foundation in the World and the Beirut Manarati Association, said his administration was working to restore trust between citizens and the state, as well as with the international community.

“Our aim is to put the state back on the right track, continue the economic reforms we began after winning parliament’s confidence, combat corruption, strengthen judicial independence, reform the banking sector and lift banking secrecy,” Aoun said.

He stressed that “no one is above the law in fighting corruption – all taboos have fallen in this regard, and the decision has been made.”

The president warned that Lebanon’s current regional challenges could only be met with unity. “Seeking foreign help against one another at home is unacceptable and has harmed the nation. We must learn from past experiences,” he said.

Aoun added that several reforms had already been passed, with key issues moving in the right direction. “We will address outstanding files calmly and through dialogue to find appropriate solutions,” he said, urging Lebanese to prioritize national interest above all else and seize the opportunities created by renewed Arab and international confidence in Lebanon.

“Our decision is to go towards a state that stands alone, and we are committed to implementing that decision,” he said.

Separately, PM Salam told the Maronite Foundation delegation that Lebanon was “not where we want it to be” as it faced political challenges, economic hardship and the legacy of years of instability.

“We are determined, government and people, to rebuild. This will only happen through an ambitious reform agenda and ensuring the state alone has the right to possess weapons, a process we have already begun,” he said.

Salam said the government was laying the foundations for a “respected, sovereign state” serving all citizens at home and abroad. Rebuilding, he said, was not limited to infrastructure and institutions but also to restoring trust between the state and its people, and between Lebanese at home and in the diaspora.

He called for the role of the diaspora to be expanded beyond remittance-sending to active participation in Lebanon’s political, economic and cultural life, and in representing its voice internationally.

“Your financial support has been crucial, but you are much more than that,” Salam said. “We want you as active partners in Lebanon’s journey to the future – welcome to your homeland today and always.”