Egypt’s Min. of Tourism & Antiquities plan after archaeological sites re-open

CAIRO - 28 May 2020: Since the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has closed all open archaeological sites, as a means to combat the epidemic.

Recently, some countries have begun to reopen a number of archaeological sites, which raises the question; what will be the upcoming situation in Egypt?

Director of the Pyramids Archeological Zone Ashraf Mohieddin clarified the plan for the area once it is reopened for visitors, to combat the spread of the virus.

Mohieddin said that if the state takes a decision to reopen the archaeological Pyramids’ area for visits, all precautionary measures in accordance with the state’s instructions will be applied to prevent the spread of the virus; masks and gloves will be worn by both visitors and workers in the archaeological area.

Furthermore, Mohieddin stated that the temperature of all visitors will be measured before entering, and the area will be sanitized daily.

Mohieddin added that it is possible to reduce the number of visitors to the area to apply social distancing in a precise manner and avoid crowding.

The head of the Pyramids Archaeological Zone further pointed out that it is also possible that closed places, such as ancient graves, may not be opened for visits at the first stage of re-opening touristic sites.

Moreover, Modieddin explained that if the graves start to open gradually for visits, the number of visitors will be reduced by 25 percent, stressing that the decision to reopen the archaeological areas and museums is based on the state decisions.