Egypt announced 188 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, bringing the country’s total number of confirmed cases to 3,032.

The health ministry also announced 19 deaths, raising the total number of fatalities to 223.

Egypt is one the most affected African country by the COVID-19 pandemic. The North African country is the only state in the continent that has registered over 3,000 cases. Its death tally is the second highest in Africa after Algeria, which has reported 367 deaths according to U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.

“About 94% of the deaths were in the age group of over 50,” Health Minister Hala Zayed said earlier, adding: “22% of the confirmed cases are in the age group of 50 to 59.”

“100% of the deceased had chronic diseases and tumors,” the minister affirmed.

COVID-19 cases in Africa are expected to rise in the coming days, as WHO warned that the current figures may not entirely be a true reflection of the continent’s situation due to inadequate testing facilities.

Egypt has however pledged a stronger fight against the disease.

“The ministry of health and population continues to raise its preparations in all provinces, following up on the situation on the new corona virus and taking all necessary preventive action against any viruses or infectious diseases,” a statement from the ministry said.

Source(s): Ministry of Health and Population – Egypt