Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Sunday announced that the partial curfew in the country would begin at 5 p.m. from May 24 for six days during the Eid holiday, reported Reuters. The curfew is currently in effect from 9 pm to 6 am.
He said the stricter measures have been announced to combat the spread of the virus during the Islamic feast which falls on May 24.
Egypt has so far reported 12,229 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, including 630 deaths. The daily tally of cases has been rising after the government slightly eased a night curfew and other measures. The health ministry reported that the number of coronavirus cases rose by 510 on Sunday.
Madbouly said all malls, shops, restaurants, public parks and beaches will be closed for the extended holiday at the end of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, and restrictions on the movement of the people will remain in place for at least two weeks afterwards.
The Egyptian prime minister said coronavirus will not disappear, but the government will work to ensure the safety of its citizens alongside returning to normal life and productivity, with all needed precautions in place.
Madbouly also stressed on the use of masks in public places. He said that anyone taking public transport or entering enclosed spaces or will be required to wear a mask. He added that the government was working on producing washable masks for general use.
The Egyptian government began to ease restrictions and gradually reopen services and offices that have been shut since mid-March amid a “coexistence plan” to maintain anti-coronavirus precautionary measures while resuming services, businesses and economic activities.
Madbouly said the government is considering a gradual reopening of restaurants and sports clubs from mid-June. He added that the government is also considering reopening of places of worship.
