Egypt could impose stricter measures in April and May to combat a third wave of covid-19 if the public doesn’t adhere to precautionary rules, government sources told Al Shorouk. These may include closing public places, banning prayer in the street, fining people for not wearing masks, and reducing working hours at government departments and public facilities, the sources added. The government fears that mass gatherings during Ramadan and Eid El Fitr — and increasing laxity towards precautionary measures — could hike the amplitude of the third wave cabinet has been warning about for weeks now.

The Health Ministry reported 709 new covid-19 infections yesterday, down from 710 the day before. The ministry also reported 40 new deaths, bringing the country’s total death toll to 12,163. Egypt has now disclosed a total of 204,965 confirmed cases of covid-19.

Almost 149k citizens have so far received a covid-19 jab since Egypt began its vaccine rollout in late February, Health Minister Hala Zayed said in a statement yesterday. The ministry is adding capacity, opening yesterday another 200 vaccination centers to add to the 139 units already in operation while doubling the number of medical staff available in existing centers to accommodate the higher influx of patients and long waiting lists at some centers.

Still waiting in line: Tourism workers, who will soon be eligible to receive vaccines especially those in coastal areas, with the rollout expected to take place before the summer tourist season, Zayed said. Zayed previously said that all tourism workers in Sinai and the Red Sea would be vaccinated by the end of May.