Police tighten security measures in Sham El-Nessim celebrations

CAIRO – 28 April 2019: Egyptian state authorities tightened security measures in the celebrations of the historic festival of Sham el-Nessim on Monday, where Egyptians are used to eating special food, mainly Fiseekh, a kind of salted fish.

In this regard, food and supply police managed to seize as much as 126 tons of frozen, salted and smoked fish, which were found to be unsuitable for consumption, according to a security statement.

Minister of Health Hala Zayed announced a comprehensive emergency plan to secure the celebrations of Sham el-Nessim, including preparing 2,227 ambulance cars, 10 ambulance boats and 2 air ambulance helicopters nationwide.

Moreover, the environment police has stepped up security efforts tp to check necessary licenses for the Nile boats, verify the availability of means of protection and safety, and to confirm the obligation that boats do not carry more people than they should.

Concerning Cairo Metro, Ali Fadali, head of the Egyptian Company for Metro Management and Operation, said that the metro stations have been prepared for the expected increase in the number of passengers in Sham al-Nessim holiday.

In a press statement, Fadali said that the Metro will start operating at 5.15 a.m. until 1 am, with a total of 1,236 journeys.

Public parks

Thousands of Egyptians are expected to head to national parks and gardens across the country to celebrate Sham el-Nessim, which marks the beginning of spring season.

Giza Zoo, Cairo’s Orman, Al-Azhar Parks are prepared to receive visitors to enjoy sunny mornings amid tightened security measures announced ahead of celebrations.

Panorama Park on Fayoum Road in Giza will open for free for public during celebrations of Easter and Sham el-Nessim.

Meanwhile, dozens of Egyptians like to cruise down the Nile on Nile buses, one of Egyptian cheapest and most entertaining means of transportation.

Dakahlia Governor Kamal Sharobeem said that parks were prepared across the governorate to receive citizens.