Egypt’s interior ministry takes legal action against 5,226 drivers, 483 shops for violating COVID-19 preventive measures

Egypt’s interior ministry takes legal action against 5,226 drivers, 483 shops for violating COVID-19 preventive measures

Taking such legal action comes in the context of the ministry's concern for the safety of citizens and in implementation of the precautionary measures taken by state agencies to limit the spread of the coronavirus







Ahram Online

, Wednesday 25 Nov 2020







Police officer wearing a protective face mask checks passengers inside a train at the underground Al Shohadaa "Martyrs" metro station in Cairo, Egypt November 21, 2020. Picture taken November 21, 2020. (Photo: Reuters)















Egypt's interior ministry issued a statement on Wednesday saying that legal action had been taken against 5,226 drivers of public transport vehicles for their lack of commitment to wearing protective masks, all in only a 24-hour period. 





Masks have been mandatory since 30 May on public transport, in shops, banks, government offices and private businesses, with violators facing fines of up to EGP4,000. 





The ministry's statement added that 483 violations had also been issued in a 24-hour period for shops that did not adhere to the recently-applied mandatory closure timing. 





The cafes, restaurants, and other venues are currently allowed to operate until 12am, while shops are to close at