Two women who have tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are currently in quarantine hospitals have given birth, according to Hani Younis, media advisor to Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. Earlier this month, a 35-year-old Egyptian woman, who tested positive for the virus, gave birth to a boy via a caesarean section in Hurghada. The mother, who was isolated at Esna Specialised Hospital in Qena, allocated to coronavirus patients, has since recovered from the virus. Head of the Medical Staff, Dr Reda Al-Najjar, who conducted the c-section for the first case, said he conducted the operation following the patient's recovery and latest tests showing her negative status. He explained during a Sunday evening televised phone interview with MBC Egypt that the mother had been in contact with a coronavirus patient just 10 days before the c-section. Dr Al-Najjar asked the mother to undertake the coronavirus test before the operation, and her results came in positive. She was sent to Esna Hospital until further test results twice returned negative. The baby was isolated in another room to prevent transmission of the virus from his mother, as the coronavirus remains in the patient for some time following recovery, Dr Al-Najjar added. During the delivery, the medical team wore the necessary PPE suits, in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) instructions.
