The World Health Organization expressed concern Wednesday that the Covid-19 pandemic could worsen in the Middle East and North Africa during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Detected cases of Covid infection in the region rose 22% last week, while deaths rose 17%, said Ahmed al-Mandhari, the Cairo-based chief of the WHO for the eastern Mediterranean. “This year, like last year, people may feel that the spirit of Ramadan has changed because of social distancing and lockdowns,” said Mandhari. She suggested measures that could be taken around mosques during Ramadan, including physical distancing, ventilation, and regular disinfection. Mandhari said all countries in the region had received vaccines, but that those with the most limited access were Yemen and Syria.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 16, 2021 02:48 UTC