5th April, 2020
The Sawiris family in Egypt has donated $6.3 million to back the country’s efforts in combating the spread of COVID-19.
Sawiris Foundation for Social Development gave $2.1million to support distressed families.
The remaining $4.2 million is for government’s precautionary efforts against the novel coronavirus, a statement by the family said.
The donation came after business tycoon Naguib Sawiris was criticised for his remarks on the partial lockdown of the country.
Expressing impatience and dissatisfaction, he urged that everyday life should come back to normal.
Egypt today has 1,070 cases of the coronavirus, including 66 deaths.
The country has suspended schools, universities and all classes, halted flights and cancelled sports.
It closed entertainment places, stopped mass prayers in mosques and churches and shut museums and archeological sites.
On March 25, the government further slammed a two-week partial curfew.
The curfew starts from early evening till early morning.