The Health Ministry reported 511 new covid-19 infections yesterday, up from 486 the day before. Egypt has now disclosed a total of 122,086 confirmed cases of covid-19. The ministry also reported 23 new deaths, bringing the country’s total death toll to 6,943.

Hurghada Airport’s PCR test requirements are getting stricter as the Health Ministry imposes new procedures following reports of incoming travelers presenting fake PCR test results, according to Al Masry Al Youm. The new regulations will require test results to be presented in English and have a stamp and signature from the laboratory doctor, as well as a watermark or international barcode. No handwritten results will be accepted. Travelers whose PCR test results do not meet the new requirements will be required to be tested on arrival.

DONATIONS- Egypt is getting GBP 1 mn from the UK via the World Health Organization to support its response to covid-19, while South Korea delivered yesterday a shipment of medical aid worth USD 500k. Egypt, meanwhile, has sent 5 tonnes of surgical supplies to South Sudan.

Egyptian company Biotech plans to manufacture disinfection robots in 2H2021, the local press reports. The EGP 150k robots use UV light to sterilize surfaces.

Eswatini Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini became the first world leader to pass away due to covid-19, dying at age 52 on Sunday while receiving medical care in neighboring South Africa, reports Bloomberg.

London and parts of Southeast England will be subject to the strictest tier of covid-19 restrictions starting tomorrow as government ministers warned that a new variant of the virus had been identified, and London reported more than 20k new cases last week, the Financial Times reports. The new restrictions will see bars, restaurants and retail stores closed, though schools will remain operational.