Egypt’s PM announces bundle of measures aimed at co-existing with COVID-19

CAIRO – 23 June 2020: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli announced Tuesday a bundle of measures – including the cancelation of the partial curfew - aimed at co-existing with COVID-19 that will go into effect on Saturday.

Restaurants and cafes will resume work with 25 percent capacity.

Shisha will still be banned.

Stores will close at 9 p.m. while restaurants and cafes will close at 10 p.m.

Public parks and beaches will still be closed as crowdedness may be inevitable.

Public transportation will operate between 4 a.m. and midnight.

Worship places will be open for daily prayers but main prayers like Friday prayers and masses will be banned.

Toilets and ceremonial halls at worship places will be closed.

Cinemas, theaters, and entertainment venues will operate with 25 percent capacity.

The gradual opening will always be reviewed as to either continue or re-impose restrictions based on data.

The prime minister also gave an overview about the COVID-19 crisis. Hospitals affiliated to the Ministry of Health and Population, and universities – whose number is 360 - are still enough to treat the current number of COVID-19 infections. Police and Armed Forces hospitals will help, if needed in the future.

"Some medical staff members were absent which has caused an increase in COVID-19 infections and deaths. Those will be subject to administrative penalties," Madbouli stated.

The prime minister called upon citizens to not stock medicine in fear of shortage, assuring them that production and stocks cover the needs.

Speaking of the measures he announced, the prime minister said, "We have been moving into the gradual opening of different economic activities, while applying all the protective measures, especially wearing face masks."

"Any establishment that doesn’t abide by the protective rules will be immediately shut down," the prime minister warned.