Egypt sends 2nd plane with coronavirus aid to South Sudan

CAIRO – 22 May 2020: Egypt has sent a second military plane carrying medical aid to South Sudan, as per presidential directives, in an effort to help Juba fight the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

 

South Sudan has so far recorded 481 coronavirus cases and 4 deaths, while Egypt has reported more than 15,000 cases and almost 700 deaths.

The General Command of the Egyptian Armed Forces has ordered sending the aid to South Sudan to help resolve the shortage of medical supplies and medication, the Egyptian Defense Ministry said in a video published on its YouTube channel.

“This aid comes to confirm Egypt’s active role toward the brotherly African people and to provide full support to the states of the [African] continent in the periods of adversity and crisis,” the video added.

The first military aircraft laden with large quantities of medical supplies was sent to South Sudan earlier in May. The shipment included large quantities of medications, medical supplies, sanitizers, personal protection equipment and baby formula, according to the information provided.

Early May, Egypt had sent four military planes loaded with medical supplies and medicines to Sudan to help the neighboring state with its battle against COVID-19, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.

Daily briefing The Health Ministry on Thursday said 774 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Egypt, according to a daily briefing, bringing the total number of cases to 15,003. This is the highest daily count recorded by the northeastern African country.

The ministry also reported 16 deaths due to the novel virus (COVID-19), bringing the death toll to 696.

Also, the test results of 4,798 people turned from positive to negative, the ministry said, including 4,217 people who totally recovered. It added that 223 patients left hospitals.