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Coronavirus Numbers Drop in Egypt and Sudan; Libya, Tunisia and Algeria See
Increases

Edward Yeranian

   CAIRO, EGYPT - Egypt is reopening churches for the first time in nearly
   four months, after a major decline in the number of recorded
   coronavirus cases in recent days. The number of new cases is also down
   in Sudan, while Libya, Tunisia and Algeria have been witnessing an
   increase.

   Worshippers gathered for the first church service in nearly four months
   in Egypt's historic port city of Alexandria. Authorities reopened
   churches across the country on Monday.

   Those attending appeared to abide by strict safety rules regarding
   social distancing and the use of face masks.

   Mosques are open on weekdays but remain closed for Friday prayers and
   major holidays.

   Egypt's Health Ministry indicated Sunday that there were just 167 new
   cases during the previous 24 hours and only 31 deaths. Figures for new
   cases have fallen dramatically in recent days, prompting the government
   to relax a number of restrictions.

   Neighboring Sudan has also witnessed a relative drop in the number of
   cases in recent days with under 100 new cases per day for most of the
   past week.

   Nearby Libya, however, is witnessing a rise in the number of new
   infections, according to Arab media.

   Libyan news channel 218TV reported that the Islamist militia-dominated
   port city of Misrata has been placed under curfew by authorities after
   six people died of COVID-19 over the weekend. Arab media reports say
   that mercenaries from outside Libya have been entering the country
   through Misrata. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus.

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