Daily covid cases reach record high as omicron strikes: The Health Ministry reported a record 1,809 new covid infections yesterday, up from 1,651 the day before. The previous record was 1,774, set on 19 June, 2020, during the first wave of the virus. Egypt has now disclosed a total of 413,558 confirmed cases of covid-19. The ministry also reported 35 new deaths, bringing the country’s total death toll to 22,431.

The vaccine tally: 25,202,302 people are now fully vaccinated against the virus, while a little over 11.8 mn people have received their first shots and 580,112 people have received booster shots.

Molnupiravir for hospital use only: Merck’s antiviral covid-19 pill will only be used in hospitals to treat patients and will not be available for over-the-counter purchase in pharmacies, the Health Ministry has said. The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) on Monday approved the pill for emergency use, paving the way for five local firms to begin supplying local hospitals with the medication.

Is Gavi / Covax drying up? The World Health Organization’s Gavi / Covax vaccine initiative — which is providing Egypt with 40 mn vaccine doses under an agreement signed last year — can no longer accept new jab commitments from donor countries due to a USD 5.2 bn funding gap for 2022, Gavi’s chief exec told the Financial Times. Though countries donate jabs, the program needs funding for accessories crucial to the rollout, including syringes.