Starting Saturday, passengers will not be allowed into Cairo metro stations without wearing facemasks in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Cairo Metro Company spokesperson Ahmed Abdel Hady said on Tuesday.

Abdel-Hady said that mask vending machines will be installed inside the stations, and that those who do not wear a mask inside metro stations face a fine of at least EGP 4,000.

The decision comes weeks after Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly urged stricter enforcement of regulations making facemasks obligatory in public spaces and on modes of transportation.

Madbouly's order comes amid a surge in coronavirus cases in Egypt. 

Egypt made facemasks mandatory on 30 May, with violators facing hefty fines, in a move aimed at curbing the spread of the virus in the populous country.

Reports have indicated a rise in coronavirus cases nationwide, as the general public has been showing a relaxed attitude with regards to anti-virus safety measures.

Egypt has officially registered 111,009 cases of coronavirus, including 6,465 fatalities and 101,179 full recoveries