Egypt’s Ministry of Education addressed schools across the country to halt seminars, celebrations, visits, trips, camps, and any gatherings of all kinds until further notice due to coronavirus fears.
The ministry also barred student trips or camping specifically in the governorates of Luxor, Aswan and Hurghada, which reported several coronavirus cases.
The cabinet’s spokesperson Nader Saad told ONE channel on Monday that the government would not hesitate to suspend studies at schools if necessary.
An official statement from WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus suggested that “Depending on their context, countries with community transmission could consider closing schools, cancelling mass gatherings and other measures to reduce exposure.”
The WHO’s instructions regarding schools are only a recommendation and are not binding, Saad said, adding that every country should determine its suitable measures based on its local situation.
Egypt’s Health Ministry announced Monday that the total number of cases in the country reached 59. The country had confirmed its first death from the disease in a German tourist on Sunday.
On Sunday, WHO Representative to Egypt John Jabbour assured that the country is not hiding coronavirus data, with the WHO coordinating with the country’s health and tourism ministries to ensure the proper implementation of international health regulations.
