Egypt sees an uptick in new coronavirus infections registers 801 new cases on Saturday

Egypt registered 801 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, bringing total infections since the outbreak last year to 209,677.

The health ministry reported 43 deaths, bringing the death toll from the virus to 12,405.

600 patients have been discharged from hospitals in the past 24 hours after recovering from the virus, bringing total recoveries to 159,054.

Egypt has urged caution against a possible rise in infections during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins next week.

Health minister Hala Zayed said in a press conference last week that there was a significant rise in infections in the past six weeks, especially in Upper Egypt.

She urged adherence to preventive measures during Ramadan, warning citizens against family gatherings and other popular rituals during the month to stem the spread of infections.