Amidst the global COVID-19 outbreak which has seen thousands of infections and deaths worldwide, and amidst growing concerns that the number of infected would rise exponentially in Egypt, the government has decided to open 13 governmental testing laboratories for those suspecting to be carriers of the virus across the nation. As the number of confirmed cases edge closer to 200 – the latest statistics being 196 confirmed cases according to the Ministry of Health – the latter will open 13 initial laboratories to carry out the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, as per Al-Ahram. The PCR test is used to detect low levels of viral infections, usually through a throat or nose swab, while a patient blood sample could reveal antibodies fighting the mutated virus. In Egypt, the PCR test runs for 1,000 EGP ($US 63.5). In a call with 105, Egyptian Streets was told that patients suspecting they might have the virus should maintain focus on the symptoms, namely a high temperature (above 38 degree celsius). As more people become aware of the coronavirus outbreak, the Ministry of Health is taking emergency phone calls from citizens on its hotlines…
