Egypt's gardens, parks, Cornish, beaches, and streets were seen vacant on Monday as the country's Easter, or Sham El-Nessim, takes place amid tight measures the government imposed to prevent gatherings that may lead to the further spread of the coronavirus.

Many photos captured Egypt's vacant streets, entertainment venues, and archaeological sites that were once buzzing with activities, especially during Sham El-Nessim holiday.

(Photo: Al-Ahram)

Egyptians usually mark the Sham El-Nessim spring holiday with picnics in parks or other outdoor excursions, a matter that urged the Egyptian authorities to apply precautionary measures usually imposed on weekends during the curfew to this traditional holiday.

The authorities also announced earlier this week the suspension of all public transport during the traditional feast.

The decision included closing all shops, malls, beaches, and public parks and gardens completely.

The country is under national curfew every day from 8pm to 6am. On weekend days, shops are closed, except for pharmacies, grocery stores, and bakeries.

Police have been deployed in different stations and streets across the country to enforce the curfew.
Several Egyptian governorates ordered gardens and parks in different neighbourhoods be flooded with water to prevent any likely festive gatherings.

Egypt's agriculture ministry aired on its official TV channel a documentary about the Giza Zoo to allow audiences to enjoy one of the most popular family attractions in Egypt at home during the curfew.

The authorities called on the public to order food items, medicines, and other needs online to minimise going out on the streets.

Egypt reported 189 new coronavirus cases on Monday and 11 new deaths.

The new cases bring the country's total number of infections to 3,333 and the fatalities to 250.