The board meeting of Al-Ahram editors has convened at exactly 11am every day since the establishment of the paper. But this Thursday, and for the veryfirst time in Al-Ahram's history, the editor-in-chief attended the meeting wearing a white coat.

The need to salute, appreciate and show support for Egypt's medical teams was behind this gesture by editor-in-chief Alaa Thabet, whobelieves that medical teams not only in Egypt but all over the world are on the front lines fighting the coronavirus, and that the hectic efforts of these new warriors should be honoured and saluted by everyone.

Thabet said that local media has stood behind fighters in all fields, and the fight against COVID-19 is no less significant than any great military battle.

"Medical teams have been sacrificing their time and their lives for us to be able pursue a better living environment. They are sacrificing their lives forus to survive this epidemic, which is the ultimate noble goal of humanity," Thabet said.

"The least we can do in support of each and every one of our medical team is to show our support," he added.

Al-Ahram will be illuminated tonight in white, and a giant picture of a white coat — symbolising the presence of medical staff—will stand at the maingate of the 145-year-old establishment.

"Words will never explain our gratitude to those fighting the virus, but one day we will be able to tell the heroic stories of our medical staff to our people in thisnewspaper. We, in Al-Ahram, will be telling our children and grandchildren for years to come, because it is the fight of noble souls to save humanity."

The total number of infections in Egypt has reached 779 nationwide, while the death toll stands at 52.

https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/366476.aspx