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Public Transport Shut Down for Sham El-Nessim, Ramadan Curfew Expected in Egypt

April 17, 2020
Egyptian families celebrate Sham El-Nessim in 2013 at a park in Cairo. Credit: Amru Salahuddien

Egypt’s Prime Minister announced on Thursday evening that all public transport options, shops and entertainment facilities, beaches and public parks would be closed during the Sham El-Nessim holiday on Monday 20 April. A separate government statement said it is expected the curfew will run through Ramadan. The shut down of public transport on Sham El-Nessim will impact all options, including the Cairo metro, public buses and trains. The Egyptian Prime Minister said that the government remains worried and concerned that Egyptians continue to gather in large groups during the day. The closures will not take effect during the long weekend, which will also see Egypt’s Coptic Christian population marking Easter, despite fears that many will congregate and use public spaces throughout the weekend. Sham El-Nessim (which is Arabic for ‘smelling the breeze’) is a national holiday dating back to Ancient Egypt and often sees Egyptians gathering in public spaces for picnics. The holiday falls a day after Coptic Christians celebrate Easter and dates back to 4,500 years ago when it was called Shamo or ‘renewal of life’ in reference to the beginning of the agricultural growing season. COVID-19 Numbers Continue…


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