Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced a new phase of precautionary measures against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), on Wednesday, which will be applied ahead of the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations. 

During a press conference for the national committee to combat COVID-19, Madbouly said that the committee has decided to close malls, shops, cafes, and cinemas nationwide at 21:00 daily for two weeks from 6 to 15 May.

The committee has also decided to prohibit any celebrations, conferences, or gatherings in all places in the coming two weeks. All parks, gardens, and beaches are completely closed during the same period.

Eid Al-Fitr prayers are only allowed in mosques where Friday prayers are currently held, with an additional ban on holding the prayers in open areas, in accordance with the Sunnah, to avoid any violations to COVID-19 protective measures. Accompanying children at the Eid Al-Fitr prayers is also prohibited. 

Madbouly added that the Eid Al-Fitr holidays will extend over five days, and take place on 12 -16 May. 

Egypt has reported a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, with over 1,000 new cases confirmed on Tuesday, as part of the third wave of the pandemic.