UAE gifts Egypt with first virus vaccine shipment

This is a historic day for Egypt, says minister; UAE reports 1,196 virus cases, five deaths; Bahrain plans free shots; AstraZeneca to use part of Russian vaccine in trials; UK to reduce quarantine for travellers.

Egypt received its first shipment of vaccines developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) late on Thursday as a git from the UAE.

The Egyptian ministry of health received the first shipment of the coronavirus vaccine, produced by Chinese drug giant Sinopharm company, at Cairo International Airport.

It is believed that the first batch contained 50,000 vaccine shots.

Acting Emirati Ambassador to Egypt Mariam Al Kaabi, coordinated the arrival of the shipment and expressed great pleasure.

She said: “The relationship between the UAE and Egypt is one of brotherhood and solidarity. It makes us feel that we stand in one place.”

“Egypt is witnessing a historic day receiving the first shipments of vaccine ... the vaccine is 100 per cent free of charge,” Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed said at a press conference at Cairo airport after the shipment’s arrival.

Health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said in a statement that the government would first vaccinate health care workers, particularly those who deal with COVID-19 cases. He said they would receive two doses of the vaccine over 21 days.