Cairo (dpa) – Cairo University said on Saturday an investigation will be launched after 17 medics at its cancer institute tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

"The university has decided to open an investigation into the infection with the novel coronavirus of 17 doctors and nurses at the National Cancer Institute to uncover the reasons for the negligence and punish those responsible," it said in a statement.

The university added a fact-finding committee was reviewing all measures taken inside its hospitals and the cancer institute to prevent the coronavirus infection.

The work at the institute will be suspended for one day on Saturday, and its clinics will only receive emergency cases in the coming period, the university said, adding that the facility will be sterilized every day.

Earlier in the day, Dr Reem Emad, the manager of the institute's hospital, put the number of infections at 15: three doctors and 12 nurses.

"All the patients have been admitted to quarantine hospitals for treatment," she said in statements, adding that all the medical staff and cancer patients are being tested.

Egypt has so far reported 985 infections of the global pandemic, with 66 fatalities.

Egyptian authorities have already imposed a two-week curfew on the country, which began on March 25, in an effort to control the spread of the virus.

Schools, universities, cinemas, theatres, mosques and churches have closed and staffing at government offices has been reduced.

Stricter measures are expected in the Arab world's most populous country.