The Egyptian government said on Thursday it received millions of pounds in donations from domestic private-sector firms to assist in the fight against coronavirus. Car manufacturer Mansour Automotive offered EGP 50 million ($3.1 million) to provide protective gear and ventilators necessary for medical staffs and patients. Real estate developer Tatweer Misr has contributed EGP 5 million through initiatives with civil society groups and charity foundations to soften the healthcare and economic fallout from the deadly disease. The company has provided isolation hospitals with protective equipment and ventilators, and offered food and cash assistance to villagers and residents in the governorates of Minya, Beheira, and Marsa Matrouh. Pharmaceutical company Ibnsina Pharma donated EGP 4 million to cover half the value of a supply order to purchase required medicines for isolation hospitals. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly lauded the companies' efforts to contribute to the state's fight against the pandemic. “Initiatives by businessmen and the private sector to support the government in facing this global crisis prove that together we are partners in building the nation… and facing its challenges and alleviating pain during its crises,” Madbouly said. Egypt has recorded 2,505 confirmed coronavirus cases and 183 fatalities until Wednesday. The government has introduced a series of restrictive measures to curb the spread of the virus, including imposing a night-time curfew, halting flights, banning large gatherings, shutting mosques and churches and suspending classes at schools and universities.
