More Egyptian MPs test positive for coronavirus
Gamal Essam El-Din, , Sunday 31 May 2020
Four MPs are being quarantined in private hospitals after suffering breathing problems


Four Egyptian MPs are being quarantined at private hospitals after presenting symptoms of the coronavirus pandemic, Mahmoud Fawzi, secretary-general of Egypt's House of Representatives, revealed Sunday.

"Results have yet to show whether they test positive or negative," said Fawzi, dismissing some press reports that they have already tested positive.

Fawzi Said Eid Heikal, a Wafd Party MP representing East Cairo's district of Al-Marg, is the latest MP to be confirmed positive, according to Fawzi.

“Heikal went to a private hospital Sunday after he suffered from some breathing problems," said Fawzi, adding that “Medical check-ups showed that Heikal tested positive and right now he is being quarantined in a private hospital and a recent report shows that his general health condition is stabilising."

MPs Nawsha El-Deeb and Omar Watany are two MPs who also went to quarantine hospitals in the last few days.

El-Deeb, a Nasserist MP representing Giza's district of Imbaba, said she went to Giza's Al-Agouza Hospital five days ago once she suffered breathing problems.

"The results will show today (Sunday) whether I test positive or negative," El-Deeb told reporters by telephone.

Omar Watani, MP representing East Cairo's district of El-Shorabeya, was taken to a private quarantine hospital Saturday.

"Watani is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital's intensive care unit, but results of check-ups have yet to show whether he tested positive or negative," said Fawzi.

Hesham Magdi, MP from the Upper Egypt governorate of Beni Suef, also went to a private quarantine hospital Saturday. Fawzi said Magdi suffered from chest pain and breathing problems.

"Again, we are still waiting to see whether he will test positive or negative," said Fazwi.

Magdi earlier told reporters he had experienced breathing problems. "But thank God I do not suffer from high temperature, and I just decided to go to hospital to make tests,” he said.

Fawzi also revealed that Sherine Farag, an appointed MP who was the first among parliament's deputies to test positive for the coronavirus two weeks ago, left Qasr El-Aini Hospital in Downtown Cairo after she fully recovered.

Fawzi said the fact that some MPs have recently contracted the coronavirus does not mean that parliament will consider postponing plenary meetings.

"Life will not stop and so parliament will meet as scheduled on 7 June to complete discussing its legislative agenda," said Fawzi, adding that, “Greater precautionary measures will be taken next week to ensure that discussions will be held in a safe and virus-free environment."

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