Silence prevailed over the sleepless Egyptian capital as authorities began imposing a curfew to contain the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
The city’s busy streets were emptied of vendors and pedestrians, who abided by the curfew hours from 7 pm till 6 am.
Mohammed Rajab, a resident in his 40s, said that he started chatting with a neighbor from his balcony in the early hours of the curfew.
“All of the neighbors have isolated themselves in their homes, to help the government confront the virus,” he added. “The curfew experience may be viewed by some as disturbing, but it will restore warmth to the Egyptian family, who will be spending more time together now.”
Cairo is known as a city that never sleeps, with vehicles continuously on the streets until the early hours of the morning. Many cafes, restaurants and shops remain open throughout the night.
But as strict measures were put into force as of Wednesday evening, people were seen rushing in search of a means of transport to reach home “for fear of penalties for violating the curfew.”
Ibrahim Abdel-Wahhab said policemen showed understanding to his situation when he was forced to go to the pharmacy in the evening to buy some medicine for his wife.
Egypt has increased measures aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus by closing mosques, churches, sports clubs and archaeological sites, and extending the closure of schools and universities for the second time.
Confirmed cases reached 495 by Friday.
