Egypt will allow microbuses to operate during Eid El-Fitr, a cabinet spokesman said, despite a government decision to suspend public transport during the religious holiday to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Earlier this week Egypt tightened coronavirus restrictions during the six-day holiday starting Sunday, extending the curfew to start at 5 pm, instead of the current 9 pm, shutting malls and parks and suspending public transport.

But microbuses, a cheap and popular means of transport in Egypt, will be exempted from the suspension, Cabinet Spokesman Nader Saad said on Thursday.

The service will be allowed to operate normally in cities and between governorates before the curfew hours, Saad told the satellite channel MBC Masr.

The suspension of public transport includes mass transit, underground metro, public buses and intercity trains nationwide. Those who violate the measures face fines of up to EGP 4,000 ($252) or imprisonment.

Starting 30 May, and for two weeks, the curfew will run from 8 pm to 6 am, as the country aims to gradually reopen more businesses and some venues including sporting clubs and restaurants from mid-June.