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.
