On Monday evening, Egypt recorded its highest rate of coronavirus cases and deaths during the second wave CAIRO: The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population has suspended vacations for medical staff in hospitals and health units in an effort to step up its anti-coronavirus campaign. An official source told Egyptian media that the ministry will stop granting or renewing vacations to doctors, nursing staff, technicians, administrators and health sector workers as part of a plan to confront the second virus wave. The source added that the ministry will also end non-compulsory vacations, including travel abroad. On Monday evening, Egypt recorded its highest rate of coronavirus cases and deaths during the second wave, with 718 new cases and 32 deaths. Hossam Hosni, head of Egypt’s coronavirus committee in the Ministry of Health and Population, said that Egypt is facing three strains of coronavirus, one of which is weak, meaning that rumors of dangerous new strains of the virus entering the country are false. Hosni said that Egypt will forbid entry to anyone entering the country from abroad until negative tests are returned. Egyptian media reported that about 30 hospitals have been rehabilitated in Cairo to isolate coronavirus patients. A source said that although coronavirus cases are increasing, the surge in specially designed facilities means Egypt is prepared against a second wave. “We wish people to abide by the precautionary measures, as the virus spreads faster and most of the infected people do not show symptoms, and the precautionary measures are a lifeline at this stage,” the source said. Minister of Health Hala Zayed held a meeting on Sunday evening with several major medical oxygen companies to discuss ways to provide strategic stocks of medical gas in all Egyptian governorate hospitals.