Egypt reports 86 new coronavirus cases

Egypt reported on Thursday 86 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number to 865, the health ministry said, the highest daily jump since registering the first case in February. Six more people died of the virus, the ministry said in a statement. In total, 58 people had died.

Egypt, the most populous Arab nation and home to 100 million people have imposed a night curfew to counter the spread of the respiratory virus and closed its airports and tourist resorts. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said in a televised speech that next week would be critical to keeping case increases at average previously reported rates, adding Egypt was still only in "medium-level danger".

He also said there had been a rise of infections in some areas as Egyptians returning from abroad had not self-isolated, prompting authorities to put returnees into hotels for quarantine.