Egypt reports 1,625 new coronavirus cases on Friday

Egypt recorded 1,625 new coronavirus cases on Friday, bringing the infection tally to 62,755 since the first case in the country was discovered in February.

Figures from the health ministry’s daily bulletin showed 87 people had died of the virus over the past 24 hours, raising total deaths to 2,620, Ahram Online reported.

Friday’s infection toll is up from the 1,569 cases detected on Thursday.

The record daily high was recorded last Friday with 1,774 new cases.

The statement also said that 399 patients have been discharged from hospitals, with the overall number of recoveries now standing at 16,737.

Health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said that the number of people who have retested negative, including the recoveries, has now reached 18,252.

On Saturday, a wide range of restrictions, most in place since March, will be lifted, as part of a government move to reopen the economy.

Restaurants, cafes, and sporting clubs across the country will be allowed to open to the public, albeit under new hygiene and safety restrictions.

Religious venues will be allowed to host services under certain conditions, although mosques will not be allowed to host Friday congregational prayers.

A nightly curfew will also be lifted on Saturday.