Egypt: Giza Pyramids Reopen after Coronavirus Lockdown

Egypt recently lifted travel restrictions and reopened all of its tourist spots, including the Great Pyramids of Giza.

The Egyptian government placed a lockdown on all international travel and popular attractions in mid-March, so as to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

These measures were reversed on Wednesday, 1 July, as authorities attempt to restart important economic sectors – tourism accounts for nearly a fifth of the country’s total economic activity, but the pandemic meant that all business grinded to a halt when it reached the borders.

The north African country’s aviation minister, Mohamed Manar, confirmed that 16 flights took off from Cairo International Airport on the day of the announcement.

A handful of tourists were soon spotted in areas near the pyramids that are typically packed, all the while wearing masks. Authorities are hoping to see many more holidaymakers in due time.

To date, Egypt has 69 814 recorded cases of COVID-19, while 3 034 Egyptians have lost their lives to the virus.