Egypt's PM warns ‘utmost force’ against violations of coronavirus measures during holiday
Ahram Online, , Wednesday 15 Apr 2020


Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly haswarned that authorities will use “utmost force” to confront attempts to breach restrictive measures against the coronavirus during next week’s springtime holiday.

During a meeting with governors via video conferenceonWednesday, Mabdouly stressed the importanceof the“strict implementation of all precautionary measures to prevent any gatherings"duringthe traditional holiday ofSham El-Nessim on Monday.

Egypt has introduced a series of sweeping measures to curb the spread of the virus, including imposing a nighttime curfew, banning large gatherings, shutting mosques and churches and suspending classes at schools and universities.

Mabdouly instructed authorities to “deter any attempt to violate the decisions with the utmost force," the cabinet said in a statement.

Egyptians usuallymark the Sham El-Nessim holiday withpicnics at parks or other outdoor excursions but the celebrations this year will be subduedamidrestrictive measuresto limit the pandemic.

The countryhas been under a nighttimecurfew from 8 pm to 6 amfor three weeks now. Under the rules, all malls and shops -- except for pharmacies, supermarkets, grocery stores and bakeries -- should close at 5 pm on weekdays and be completely shuttered on weekends. Restaurants are only restricted to deliveries.

The cabinet had said earlier that shops and malls will be totally shut on Sham El-Nessim as is the case on weekends.

Allbeaches, public parksand gardens,beachesand anyvenuesthat could witness crowding willalsobecompletely shuttered during theancient Egyptian feast.

Madboulyinstructed authoritiestoclosely monitorcoastal cities whereNile cruises are operated andmajor squares which usually see largegatherings.

"Until nowthe matteris under control. Achieving better results is largelydependent on not making room forany gatherings,"Mabdouly told the meeting.

The PM requested ramping up garbage collection and sterilisation activities during the curfew hours.

The curfew, first imposed on 25 March, wasextended on 8 Apriland is due toremain in effect until 23 April.

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