Egypt has reported a slight increase in the number of novel coronavirus infections for the fourth day in a row, in light of official warnings on a growing outbreak.
Health authorities announced 167 new cases on Saturday, bringing the total number of confirmed infections nationwide to 95,314 since its detection in February.
They also reported 21 new deaths, increasing the tally of fatalities to 4,992.
Over the past few days, Egypt has been announcing slight increases after a significant decline in infection rates.
On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, it recorded 123, 131 and 141 new infections, respectively.
Minister of Heath Hala Zayed has called on all Egyptians to adhere to the preventive measures and stick to social distancing in anticipation of any increase in coronavirus cases, especially after Eid al-Adha gatherings.
She also urged Egyptians to avoid family gatherings and wear face masks in public to help stem the infection rate.
The Health Ministry affirmed that isolation hospitals are ready to receive new COVID-19 patients.
It added that testing is available at all state hospitals nationwide, and medications are being provided for patients in home isolation.
The ministry stressed on people aged 60 or older, those with chronic diseases and pregnant women, to avoid gatherings.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly discussed during the cabinet session on Sunday plans by the ministries of education and technical education and higher education for the new academic year 2020-2021, in light of the pandemic.
“Current circumstances require establishing an integrated system to achieve the objectives required of the educational process, while protecting students, teachers and all workers in the educational system,” Madbouly explained.
Minister of Education Tarek Shawky pointed out that the new academic year will begin on October 17.
He also affirmed that a full plan for the next academic year will be announced in early September.
