Egypt detected 488 new coronavirus cases on Saturday as the tally continues to rise despite restrictions during the holy month of Ramadan.
The health ministry’s announcement brings the total number of infections from the pandemic to 8,964 nationwide.
The ministry also reported 11 new fatalities, bringing the total deaths from the virus to 514.
The statement said that 57 cases have been discharged on Saturday from the 17 operating quarantine hospitals, bringing the total number of recoveries to 2002 thus far.
Health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said the number of people whose test results turned from positive to negative, including the 2002 recoveries, has now reached 2,476.
Health Minister Hala Zayed attributed the recent increases in the number of cases to people’s behaviour outside curfew hours, especially during the two weeks that preceded Ramadan.
According to Zayed, visits to markets decreased by 40 percent immediately after the crisis erupted, but the fall had been reduced to just 11 percent during the two weeks before Ramadan.
However, in recent days, some restrictions have been relaxed. Car licensing sections at traffic departments, real estate registry offices and some court services have now reopened.
Egypt has signalled recently that it is looking to lift some of its heavy restrictions by next month, and has urged people to maintain social distancing and other preventive measures when these changes take place.
Egypt will have to coexist with the coronavirus pandemic starting from June, cabinet spokesman Nader Saad said on Thursday, as the country continues to push forward with efforts to open the economy after the end of Ramadan.
