Covid-19 forces Egypt businesses to shut early as Eid Al-Fitr approaches

The Egyptian government has decided to temporarily close businesses earlier due to the potential spread of Covid-19 during the Eid Al-Fitr holidays.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab Staff & Agencies

05 May, 2021

People shop in a northern Cairo suburb in Ramadan [Getty Images/AFP]

Egypt is set to limit opening hours for shopping centres, stores, and restaurants for the next two weeks starting tomorrow to help limit the spread of Covid-19.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the measures will coincide with Eid Al-Fitr, the festival observed by Muslims which will be marked next week.

Shops must close by 9pm local time while large gatherings, as well as concerts, will be banned. Parks and beaches also be closed between 12 and 16 May, when Eid takes place.

Experts have warned that a third wave could hit during or after Ramadan is over, according to local media.

The ministry of health announced last month that 1.23 million citizens have registered to receive the vaccine, while 320,000 have been vaccinated, according to local media.

The country of over 100 million has reported a total of 230,000 cases with around 14,000 deaths, although some believe these to be a conservative estimate.

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