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DPA
Cairo
Egypt will extend its night-time curfew for another two weeks until April 23, which is aimed at preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus, the prime minister said on Wednesday.
Egypt initially imposed the nationwide curfew beginning March 25, among other measures to limit the gathering of citizens.
The Arab world’s most populous country has so far reported a total of 1,450 people infected with the virus, including 94 deaths.
Speaking at a press conference, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said the curfew will start one hour later at 8 pm (1800 GMT) until 6 am in order to prevent traffic jams and crowding in public transportation.
The suspension of international flights will continue, and schools and universities will remain closed, he added.
Other measures will remain in place, which include the suspension of all public and private transportation at night, and the closure of all shops, restaurants and shopping malls between 5 pm and 6 am during the two-week curfew; but they will be fully shut on Friday and Saturday, the weekend in Egypt.
The work of restaurants will be limited to home delivery. Some government services will be suspended for the two-week period.
The prime minister announced that financial aid will be paid to irregular workers affected by the crisis, for three months.
He added that his cabinet ministers will have their salaries cut by 20 per cent as a contribution to helping the affected sectors.
He called on citizens to avoid public gatherings during religious celebrations as Muslims gear up for the fasting month of Ramadan, which is due to start in two weeks.
Cairo
Egypt will extend its night-time curfew for another two weeks until April 23, which is aimed at preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus, the prime minister said on Wednesday.
Egypt initially imposed the nationwide curfew beginning March 25, among other measures to limit the gathering of citizens.
The Arab world’s most populous country has so far reported a total of 1,450 people infected with the virus, including 94 deaths.
Speaking at a press conference, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said the curfew will start one hour later at 8 pm (1800 GMT) until 6 am in order to prevent traffic jams and crowding in public transportation.
The suspension of international flights will continue, and schools and universities will remain closed, he added.
Other measures will remain in place, which include the suspension of all public and private transportation at night, and the closure of all shops, restaurants and shopping malls between 5 pm and 6 am during the two-week curfew; but they will be fully shut on Friday and Saturday, the weekend in Egypt.
The work of restaurants will be limited to home delivery. Some government services will be suspended for the two-week period.
The prime minister announced that financial aid will be paid to irregular workers affected by the crisis, for three months.
He added that his cabinet ministers will have their salaries cut by 20 per cent as a contribution to helping the affected sectors.
He called on citizens to avoid public gatherings during religious celebrations as Muslims gear up for the fasting month of Ramadan, which is due to start in two weeks.
