Egypt Sets New COVID-19 Restrictions to Curb Virus Spread During Ramadan

Arab World

April 1st, 7:24am

Cairo - Asharq Al-Awsat

Muslim worshippers observe social distancing, as they offer the evening prayer Taraweeh at al-Azhar Mosque in the Egyptian capital Cairo, during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan on May 17, 2020. (Source/AFP)

The Egyptian government decided to impose a number of restrictions during the holy month of Ramadan, as it expects to witness an increase in its daily number of coronavirus infections. The was announced during the meeting of the higher committee for managing the coronavirus crisis on Tuesday. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, who chaired the meeting, said worshipers will be allowed to perform prayers and Tarawih at mosques during Ramadan while adhering to all precautionary measures. “The government will firmly apply all precautions during the fasting month to preserve citizens' safety and health,” the PM said. The committee also decided to ban public charity iftar tables, Tahajjud (also known as night prayer), and Eatiikaf (staying for days in mosques for worshiping), as well as large gatherings inside closed areas. Also, Tarawih prayers should be reduced to no more than half an hour in length. large gatherings inside mosques, including celebrations and funerals, are also banned. For her part, Health Minister Hala Zayed briefed the premier on reports over the first and second wave of the coronavirus pandemic concerning the rate of infections and deaths. She called for abiding by social distancing rules and wearing facemasks, as well as avoiding gatherings in closed spaces.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2893896/egypt-sets-new-covid-19-restrictions-curb-virus-spread-during-ramadan