On Thursday, the Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli announced the halt of all public transportation including (metro, trains, buses) on Monday which marks Sham El-Nessim holiday.
He also ordered the complete closure of all shops, malls, beaches, public parks and gardens will be on that day in a step aimed to curb the coronavirus outbreak.
The Egyptian Premier wished Egyptians happy Easter holiday, urging them to avoid gatherings and social celebrations.
Madbouli also directed the governors and security forces to focus on coastal governorates, and to use “utmost force” in deterring attempts at gathering and violating state measures against the pandemic.
Sham El-Nessim is a national holiday in Egypt which marks the beginning of spring and falls directly after Coptic Orthodox Easter. It is an ancient festival which draws in Egyptians regardless of their religious background or social status. Many usually gather with their families in public parks, squares, and on beaches and Nile boats, to eat traditional fish dishes.
This year, however, gatherings could pose a serious threat with the spread of the coronavirus in Egypt. Citizens, particularly seniors, have been asked to stay home and practice social distancing to control the spread of the virus. However, most factories and companies are still working, with many employees still going to work.
Egypt has so far registered 2505 Coronavirus cases, including 183 deaths.
