Egypt to impose restrictions during Eid holday

Egypt will impose stricter measures during the Eid El-Fitr religious holiday, including extending its curfew hours and a full suspension of public transportation to stem the spread of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced on Sunday.

The nationwide curfew will begin at 5 pm instead of the current 9 pm starting next Sunday – expected to be the first day of Eid – until Friday, Madbouly said in a televised briefing.

All shops, malls, beaches and parks will be completely shut, Madbouly said, adding that public transportation will be suspended throughout the six-day period, which runs until 29 May.

Travel between governorates will also be suspended, the PM announced.

Madbouly said the extension comes under measures to curtail the spread of the virus during Eid Al-Fitr, which he said poses a risk of a surge in infections due to traditions of gatherings during the festive feast.

"Eid El-Fitr is associated with gatherings and public spaces for Egyptians. This is a major change for the spread of the virus; and that's why as a government we implemented such measures to limit the spread of the virus during the feast and after," he said.


Dhaka/Mukul