Egypt's COVID-19 cases surpass 150

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattal el-Sisi ordered schools and universities to shut down in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 cases in Egypt have hit 150, according to Egyptian Minister of Information Osama Heikal.

Heikal announced the new figures on Monday as more African countries confirmed cases of the disease.

Africa now has more than 380 cases, with Egypt topping the statistics.

The latest countries in the continent to have reported cases include Tanzania, Liberia, Somalia and Benin.

Heikal also confirmed a government directive to suspend international flights into Egypt beginning Thursday 18 March, 2020.

He urged Egyptians to remain vigilant and follow health directives in order to avoid contracting the disease.

Earlier, President Abdel-Fattal el-Sisi ordered schools and universities to shut down in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19.