The daily rate of infection doubles in a week in Egypt

The rate of daily positives for COVID-19 disease has doubled in the last seven days in Egypt, with 1,536 infected and 46 dead on Sunday, the highest number in one day since the first case was detected in February. 

The figures released by the Ministry of Health represent more than double the 752 infections recorded on Sunday May 24, when there were also 29 deaths in Egypt, the second country in Africa with 24,985 cases, only surpassed by South Africa (30,967). They also represent a substantial increase from Saturday, when there were 1,367 infections and 34 deaths, according to the Health Ministry. Authorities also count a total of 959 deaths since the start of the pandemic and 6,037 sick people recovered. 

During the month of Ramadan, which ended May 23, there were crowds in shops selling typical products as well as gatherings of family and friends, who did not give up the custom of taking the 'iftar' (the first meal after fasting) together in the evening. 

For this reason, the Egyptian authorities imposed harsh restrictions on the festival that culminates the month of fasting, Eid al-Fitr, which was held last week under a curfew from 17:00 to 06:00, the almost total closure of shops and the paralysis of public transport. 

From Saturday, the curfew comes into force at 8pm and all shops can reopen, but the use of masks is compulsory in shops, banks and government offices. 

International flights to and from the country of the pyramids are still suspended, but domestic flights have been reinstated, and tourism began to reopen in mid-May with hotels able to reach 25% of their maximum capacity.