The Egyptian government announced on Tuesday that public parks and gardens will remain closed during the spring holiday Sham el-Nessim, a measure intended to deter gatherings and to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Sham el-Nessim — a national holiday during which people often gather together in parks and in the streets and enjoy dyed eggs and salted fish called “Fesikh” — is widely celebrated in Egypt. A statement made by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation — which is responsible for public parks — appealed to citizens to adhere to these regulations in order to protect public health and to combat coronavirus. The ministry has been renovating and improving all the gardens and parks under its care in the area of al-Qanater al-Khaireya. Journalists and media workers, doctors, healthcare and emergency services workers are exempt from the curfew.

Source: Egypt Independent April 14, 2020 13:07 UTC