The Egypt tourism department is taking immediate actions to protect itself amidst the deadly coronavirus outbreak. The tourism department of Egypt is on a rush to inform and assure tourists about Egypt’s safety and security despite the virus spread. The action comes following the detection of the virus on a cruise ship on the Nile River.
On Saturday, the country saw around 45 confirmed cases of coronavirus including tourists from foreign countries. It was detected after the cruise ship arrived at the southern city of Luxor. Previously, only 3 confirmed coronavirus cases were detected in Egypt. On Sunday, the country witnessed the very first fatality in the hands of the disease when a 60-year-old German tourist passed away in the Red Sea Resort Hospital. After registering, 7 new cases including 4 foreign tourists and 3 Egyptian residents, the total number of coronavirus affected individuals rose to 55.
The tourism industry has been facing the harsh effects of the virus ever since the outbreak. The tourism industry is one of the major contributors to Egypt’s economy. After a decline in the tourism industry back during the 2011 uprising in Egypt, the sector completely rebounded and stands strong as a key driver of the country’s economic growth.
On Sunday, Egypt’s tourism, health and civil ministers toured a temple in central Luxor across the Nile River from the Valley of the Kings. Khaled al-Anani, tourism and antiquities minister, Egypt said in a press brief that the ministers are present on the venue to address the rumours stating the absence of tourists in the country which in turn is scaring other people to visit the country. A live view of tourist gathering on the venue was telecasted on the state television.
Hala Zayed, Health Minister of Egypt further added that the ministers are keeping an eye on everything and urged travellers to refrain themselves from accepting exaggerated reactions.
Tags: Coronavirus, Covid-19, Egypt
