Egypt posted record daily highs for the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths, the latest evidence that the most populous Arab nation’s battle to contain the deadly disease was going through its worst stretch.
In its daily report on Saturday, the Health Ministry said 1,677 Covid-19 cases were confirmed in the previous 24 hours, taking to 42,980 the total number since the outbreak of the coronavirus began in mid-February. The previous high was recorded the previous day, when 1,577 cases were announced.
The ministry said the number of Covid-19-related fatalities over the past 24 hours numbered 62, eclipsing by 15 the previous all-time high recorded on June 2. The number of deaths stands at 1,484.
The latest figures mean that a total of 24,224 have contracted the respiratory disease since May 27. They are more than half the total number of cases since the outbreak began, indicating that Egypt’s 100 million people are in the grips of the worst phase of the pandemic.
Authorities insist that the numbers fall within official forecasts and that the country’s medical facilities have the capacity to deal with much larger numbers if need be.
One senior health ministry official said earlier this week that the numbers will continue to rise during the remainder of June, with the worst daily number of cases possibly hitting 2,500, but that the curve would be flattened by mid-July.
The government has been seeking to strike a balance between protecting Egyptians from the pandemic and preventing the economy from tanking.
It has been gradually easing the lockdown it imposed in March while counselling that, until a vaccine is developed, everyone must learn to live with the coronavirus while taking precautions like social distancing and embracing stringent hygiene standards.
It has made wearing a mask mandatory in public spaces, like transport, government offices and banks, but many Egyptians have continued to take a dangerously casual approach to the pandemic.
A video posted online this week, for example, showed holidaymakers at a Red Sea resort gathered on the beach dancing to drumbeats. The Ministry of Tourism, which last month allowed hotels to reopen with reduced capacity provided they pass stringent health and hygiene inspections, is investigating the incident. Hotels found to violate health measures risk closure.
Police have routinely been breaking up gatherings on streets close to or by the Nile. Thousands of taxi drivers have been fined or had police reports filed against them for not wearing masks or allowing passengers to travel without one. Public beaches and parks remain closed as well as mosques, churches, museums, theatres, cinemas, antiquity sites, restaurants, cafes and gyms.
On Thursday, Egypt said it would allow foreign flights and tourists back into coastal areas with the least number of Covid-19 cases starting July 1, a move that reflected the government’s resolve to try to salvage what had once shaped to be the best tourism season on record before the outbreak of the coronavirus devastated the vital industry.
Tourism accounts for nearly 15 per cent of Egypt’s GDP and is a major source of foreign currency. It’s among the biggest casualties of the pandemic.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
RESULTS
Catchweight 63.5kg: Shakriyor Juraev (UZB) beat Bahez Khoshnaw (IRQ). Round 3 TKO (body kick)
Lightweight: Nart Abida (JOR) beat Moussa Salih (MAR). Round 1 by rear naked choke
Catchweight 79kg: Laid Zerhouni (ALG) beat Ahmed Saeb (IRQ). Round 1 TKO (punches)
Catchweight 58kg: Omar Al Hussaini (UAE) beat Mohamed Sahabdeen (SLA) Round 1 rear naked choke
Flyweight: Lina Fayyad (JOR) beat Sophia Haddouche (ALG) Round 2 TKO (ground and pound)
Catchweight 80kg: Badreddine Diani (MAR) beat Sofiane Aïssaoui (ALG) Round 2 TKO
Flyweight: Sabriye Sengul (TUR) beat Mona Ftouhi (TUN). Unanimous decision
Middleweight: Kher Khalifa Eshoushan (LIB) beat Essa Basem (JOR). Round 1 rear naked choke
Heavyweight: Mohamed Jumaa (SUD) beat Hassen Rahat (MAR). Round 1 TKO (ground and pound)
Lightweight: Abdullah Mohammad Ali Musalim (UAE beat Omar Emad (EGY). Round 1 triangle choke
Catchweight 62kg: Ali Taleb (IRQ) beat Mohamed El Mesbahi (MAR). Round 2 KO
Catchweight 88kg: Mohamad Osseili (LEB) beat Samir Zaidi (COM). Unanimous decision
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Mercedes V250 Avantgarde specs
Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo
Gearbox: 7-speed automatic
Power: 211hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 350Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.0 l/100 km
Price: Dh235,000
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Pros%20and%20cons%20of%20BNPL
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old
- Max Dowman (Arsenal)
15 years, 235 days old
- Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
16 years, 30 days old
- Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
16 years, 68 days old
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
