Cairo and Giza governorates have been hardest hit by the rise in coronavirus infections following an increase in gatherings during Ramadan and in the days before Eid Health officials have called on citizens to adhere to precautionary measures, including wearing masks, washing hands frequently and minimising social contact CAIRO: Egypt is bracing itself for a surge in COVID-19 infections, with daily cases likely to rise from 1,300 to 1,500 in the coming week, according to the Health and Population Ministry. The pandemic’s intensity is expected to ease by July, a ministry source said, but warned that “this forecast depends on the behavior of citizens and the extent to which they commit to precautionary measures.” Cairo and Giza governorates have been hardest hit by the rise in coronavirus infections following an increase in gatherings during Ramadan and in the days before Eid. The two governorates are followed by Fayoum, Minya and Sohag. Health officials have called on citizens to adhere to precautionary measures, including wearing masks, ensuring social distancing, washing hands frequently, and avoiding crowded areas and public gatherings. Residents are also being urged to follow news updates on the virus. The ministry source also called on citizens, especially the elderly and people with chronic diseases, to register for the COVID-19 vaccine. Egypt is hoping to provide a choice of vaccines, with shipments expected in the coming days. Egypt’s Health and Population Minister, Hala Zayed, announced the launch of community communication teams in seven governorates across the country on Saturday and Sunday to enhance citizens’ health awareness. Khaled Megahed, assistant minister of health and population for information and awareness, said that teams were deployed on Monday in Cairo, Alexandria, and Fayoum. Teams started on Sunday in Ras El-Bar city in Mayat governorate and Baltim city in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate. The teams are also targeting the Giza and Port Said governorates.