People rushed to buy sweets and biscuits in Cairo on Friday (May 22) as they prepared to celebrate the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan under a tightened COVID-19 curfew and lockdown.

The Eid al-Fitr festivities are usually a time of release when people pack the streets and visit families, cafes, and restaurants.

But this year, authorities are bringing forward the start of the existing coronavirus curfew by four hours to 5 pm and banning all public transport for six days from Sunday as they try to contain the pandemic.

Shoppers, many wearing masks, said celebrations will be much quieter – restrictions had already made it difficult for families to meet for fast-breaking at sunset during Ramadan.

"We will not see our siblings, loved ones, and friends," said Hoda Mahmoud, 53, standing outside a shop with a bag of biscuits.

"We used to go out and have fun at cafes, but now we are being careful, taking care of ourselves."

Egypt confirmed 745 new cases of the coronavirus on Wednesday, the highest daily increase yet.

"There is an evening curfew and everyone's errands are now in the morning," said Ali Mohamed, a 26-year-old civil engineer. At night, he added, "we all disappear."

The timing of Eid al-Fitr depends on the sighting of the moon but it is widely expected to start on Sunday.

Shops, restaurants, parks, and beaches will also be closed for the holiday, which has been extended from three to six days under the coronavirus measures.

Source: Reuters