Page 9 - issue18

E L I T E 8

COVID-19

Updates on Egypt

By: Zeina Marei and Reem Omran

Coronaviruses are a series of viruses, including SARS, Precautions were taken to flatten the curve, in other words,
MERS and COVID-19, attacking the respiratory system. lag the virus’ spread. Nationwide decisions by the Egyptian
Identified after its first outbreak in Wuhan, China; president and government officials are being issued, to
COVID-19 was labeled to being the latest addition to ensure the wellbeing and safety of citizens, whilst

the coronavirus family, whereas CO is short for corona, decreasing contamination.Shutdowns of all schools and
VID for virus, and 19 indicating when it first appeared - universities took place on the 15th of March, as well as sports
clubs and learning centres for two weeks. a partial curfew
December 2019. Through tourism, the virus was able to
was also imposed from 7pm to 6am , in addition to a total
reach a mass amount, being characterised as a
shutdown in Friday and Saturday.
pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).

On the 14th of February, the Egyptian ministry of Consequently, students are attending online classes to
health announced its first case – a Chinese national at continue their studies. Events involving mass gatherings
Cairo International Airport. The patient was isolated such as weddings, conferences and funerals are banned,
effective immediately, preventing its spread. minimising physical contact between people, as closing all
Moreover, a Nile cruise ship in Luxor witnessed 45+ malls, restaurants and cafes to c. Nonetheless, Egyptian
reported cases, 12 of which are staff members, residents are handling the issue with cautiousness, always
initiating the outbreak in Egypt. Conclusions drawn on the go with masks, hand sanitisers and alcohol spray, if
not quarantined until further notice.
proved that the main reason behind COVID-19 in Egypt

is tourism.
As well as Egypt might be handling the situation by

providing proper healthcare, the virus still poses a threat to
Due to the rapid transmissibility of the virus, over the Egyptian economy. Tourism is crippling in Egypt since its
200,000 tested positives for COVID-19 worldwide, with first outbreak - the Nile cruise - and the suspension of air
around 9,982 reported deaths. Approximately half of traffic till the end of March might cause further damage to

those infected have safely recovered. Egypt, with 14 the industry. Losses due to the lockdown might reach $144
new confirmed case on the 18th of March, has reached billion; $143 stemming from suspending, and $1 billion
a total of 210 confirmed cases. The ministry of health tourism losses. This in turn will cause an increase Egypt’s
has so far reported 6 coronavirus deaths only. these total unemployment, and a drop in the GDP growth.
However, compared to other countries, Egypt’s economy is
numbers reached around 30 deaths on Friday 27March
handling the outbreak pretty
and more than 500 cases too. Numbers can not be
well. We only hope that this pandemic is over before we start
followed as cases increase little by litte until ELITE is
enduring its real consequences.
issued.

issue 18, April 2020 #Stay_at_home