Egypt reported 1,125 new coronavirus cases on Friday, bringing the total infection tally to 235,140 since the outbreak began last year. The health ministry also reported 65 new deaths, bringing the total number of deaths from the virus to 13,779. The statement said that 811 patients have been discharged after recovering from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to 175,928. More than 1000 have been infected per day as of 27 April as the country faces a third wave of the pandemic. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has introduced a new series of restrictions to contain the current spike, especially with the advent of the Eid Al-Fitr holiday the next week, which known for social gatherings. The new measures came into effect starting Thursday and will last for two weeks. Under the new precautions, the closing hours of commercial and entertainment venues in Egypt were brought forward at 9pm instead of 11pm. This includes shops, malls, coffee shops, restaurants, and movie theatres. However, restaurants are allowed to make home deliveries past 9pm. All public gatherings and mass activities are also banned nationwide during the two-week duration. However, wedding parties are allowed at open-air places until 9pm. The measures also comprise the closure of all public parks and beaches for the two-week duration, including the Eid Al-Fitr holiday.
