Following a request from the Minister of Culture Inas Abdel-Dayem, Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly approved on Sunday the nationwide return of arts and culture activities with attendance capped at 50 percent capacity in all open areas designated to hold events.
The announcement underscored that all precautionary and preventive measures need to be applied per the guidelines set by the health ministry and all concerned parties.
The decision will see the return of numerous events which have been halted due to Covid-19 pandemic, including book fairs, theatre performances and festivals held in open air areas.
A total shutdown of all cultural activities due to COVID-19 pandemic started on 9 March 2020 with the government banning all large gatherings.
On 15 July 2020, the government allowed a gradual reopening of some cultural activities with 25 percent audience capacity.
The venues which have reopened under precautionary measures included all theatres, the national circus, galleries, museums, performance venues, and literary forums operating under the culture ministry.
Source: Al-Ahram Online
