Egypt recorded a decline in the rate of coronavirus infections, however, public officials including President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi have called on citizens to continue abiding by strict health precautionary measures so that authorities aren’t pushed into announcing another lockdown. Speaking at the opening of a major industrial complex, Sisi expressed his hopes for citizens to continue abiding by preventative measures which had helped stem the spread of the virus over the last few months. He pointed out to the declining rate of infections over the last few months. “We don’t want current optimism after the declining rate of deaths and infections to lead to throwing caution out the way; we have implemented balanced health and economic measures that take into consideration people’s best interest and we have allowed institutions to work to reduce the effects on major sectors,” Sisi said. “Don’t force us to return to previous measures to protect the health and safety of Egyptians; if things deteriorate we will be forced to go for another shutdown,” Sisi warned, stressing the need for citizens to wear masks and abide by precautionary measures so that the infection and death rates remain low. The Egyptian government had implemented a temporary curfew in March, and decided to ease restrictions gradually, reopening tourist destinations and resuming air traffic. Early this week, authorities approved operating cafes and restaurants until midnight and increase the capacity allocated to receive customers to half the operational capacity. Sisis statements coincided with other warnings from a preventive health adviser, Dr. Mohamed Awad Tajidine, who considered that “the low numbers in Egypt are a major achievement, which must be preserved by taking precautions to avoid any second wave.” Tajidine, in an interview broadcast on television on Monday, stressed the importance of wearing face masks, upholding social distancing measures and limiting gatherings. He stressed that “the medical authorities should work to develop the drug and medical supplies industry, to ensure preparedness for any new emergency or pandemic.”