Egyptians celebrate Ramadan despite COVID worries

Gulf Today Report

Egyptians celebrated the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in more normal conditions despite concerns about a possible third wave of infections.

 A Ramadan cannon is fired to mark the breaking of the fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in Egypt. AFP

Last year, cafes and restaurants were only open for takeaways, mosques were shut and a night-time curfew was in place. This year, restaurants are operating again and mosques are open for prayers, though physical distancing and hygiene rules are meant to be observed.

Ahead of the beginning of Ramadan on Tuesday, residents packed streets and markets in the capital Cairo, shopping for colourful Ramadan lanterns and sweets.

 People riding in a bus look at a stall selling Ramadan lanterns in Cairo. AFP

"There is a stark difference between this year and last year," said one shopper, Amira Karim. "This year, I can feel Ramadan." 

COVID-19 infections confirmed by the government have increased in recent weeks, rising above 800 confirmed daily cases ahead of Ramadan. Officials have urged people to take precautions to guard against a possible third wave of infections.

 Muslims perform evening Tarawih prayers inside Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo. Reuters

The government is rolling out a vaccination campaign but has so far received limited supplies of the Sinopharm vaccine from China and AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX facility.