Egypt's health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed has acknowledged an increase in the number of coronavirus infections across the country, but reassured citizens that conditions are stable. In statements to "eXtra News" TV channel via phone late Saturday, Megahed said the number of intensive care beds and strategic oxygen stocks at all local hospitals are checked on a daily basis. Health Minister Hala Zayed is constantly following up on the supply system of oxygen and occupancy rates at hospitals particularly fever and chest hospitals, he added. She also checks on the fair distribution of patients to hospitals, he noted, affirming that there is a daily review of the stock of medical supplies and their distribution at hospitals to meet all their needs. Egypt, which is witnessing a third coronavirus wave, has been seeing a spike in the daily caseload, recording more than 1,000 cases a day since late April. The country's total tally of COVID-19 infections since the start of the pandemic has reached 236,272, including 176,363 recoveries and 13,845 deaths. Egypt registered 1,132 new coronavirus cases and 66 fatalities on Saturday. Last week, the cabinet announced a set of new measures to curb the spread of the virus during the next two weeks as the country is set to mark the Islamic holy feast of Eid Al-Fitr. The measures, in place for two weeks from 6 to 21 May, include the closure of shops, malls, coffee shops, restaurants, and movie theaters at 9pm. However, restaurants will be allowed to make home deliveries past 9pm. All public gatherings, artistic events, and mass activities are banned nationwide during these two weeks. The measures also include the closure of all public parks and beaches for the two week's time, including Eid Al-Fitr. The Eid prayers will be held this year under strict measures. Egypt has vaccinated around 1 million citizens since a mass vaccination campaign started in January, according to official statements.
