CAIRO, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Precautionary measures which proved effective in China have helped Egypt contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, Egyptian deputy speaker of the House of Representatives told Xinhua in a recent interview.
"All the precautionary measures adopted by Egypt have helped in containing the crisis so far," Soliman Wahdan said, noting Egypt has adopted measures similar to China's in fighting against the novel coronavirus, which have played a great role in limiting the COVID-19 losses in the country.
The precautionary measures Egypt has taken over the past weeks include suspending schools and universities, halting flights, cancelling sports activities, closing entertainment venues and malls, stopping mass prayers in mosques and churches, shutting down museums and archeological sites, as well as implementing a nationwide curfew.
"We are still at the second stage of facing COVID-19, and Egypt is still far from the dangerous phase," Wahdan said, adding "the Egyptian government has professionally dealt with the pandemic challenge."
Egypt reported on Saturday 145 new cases of COVID-19 and 11 new deaths, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 1,939 and the death toll to 146.
Recalling Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed's visit to China in March, he said it sent a message of solidarity with the Chinese people.
"The health minister's visit to China stressed the deep, strong, strategic and historical ties between the two countries," Wahdan said.
His visit has also contributed to learning anti-COVID-19 methods from the Chinese side, the lawmaker said, adding that "China has been always generous with providing expertise and information, which undoubtedly bought time for other countries to control the spread of the virus."
Wahdan said he expects stronger cooperation between the two sides after the crisis, especially in technology, education and health care as well as tourism and investment.
