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Egypt becomes latest country to impose a countrywide curfew

The Egyptian government announced a two-week, nationwide, 11-hour nighttime curfew to counter the spread of the novel coronavirus.

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An empty street is pictured after Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly ordered all restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, night clubs, shopping malls and shops to shut their doors at 7 p.m. due to the coronavirus outbreak in Cairo, Egypt, March 19, 2020. — REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

For two weeks beginning March 25, Egypt will impose a nationwide, overnight curfew to combat the novel coronavirus, the government said.

Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly announced in a televised news conference March 24 that from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., Egyptians are required to stay inside their homes. In addition, malls and stores selling more than basic goods can only remain open until 5 p.m. during the week and must close during the weekend. Restaurants can provide delivery only.

“We have to take further protective measures against the coronavirus pandemic,” Madbouly said. “We’re cautious with the timing to not harm the living conditions of certain social segments or the economy.”

Mass transportation will be suspended during the curfew hours, and schools and universities are closed for least 15 more days. The prime minister also encouraged citizens to limit their travel between Egypt’s provinces.

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