COVID in Egypt: Rise in infections expected in Ramadan due to gatherings

CAIRO – 16 March 2021: Fluctuation has been witnessed in the number of Coronavirus daily infections in Egypt over the past weeks amid speculations of a new wave is hitting the country.

The increase and decrease in daily rates in Egypt is recorded to be around 10 percent. Dr. Mohamed Tag el-Din, advisor of President for health affairs, ensured that as long as people adhere to precautionary measures, numbers will decline.

“The second wave of Coronavirus has not ended yet in Egypt, while other countries are witnessing now the third wave,” said Tag el-Din.

He warned that rates could climb during the Holy month of Ramadan, saying the reason might be due to the expected family visits and gatherings known to happen during the holy month.

He added that vaccination process is in full swing at 40 centers across the country, and that there is a turnout from the targeted segment of people, who are the elderly with chronic diseases, to receive the two shots of the vaccine.

A total of 500,000 people were vaccinated thus far since the campaign has launched earlier this month.

For her part, Dr. Noha Assem, the advisor for Health Minister, said that the vaccines are available at all registered centers, and that between 1,000 to 1,500 persons receive the vaccine on a daily basis at these centers.

“No one can predict what will happen in the coming days, infections rise due to loose adherence to precautionary measures, even those who are vaccinated should abide by wearing the masks for their own protection,” Assem added.

She further explained that the vaccine protects people against the infection by 86 percent, as it also reduces the critical complications in case of infection.