A total of 5,178 were arrested on Monday for violating the nationwide curfew, with a further 248 arrested for not wearing face masks, according to the Ministry of Interior.
Among the arrested citizens, 1,565 were in cars, 143 were on motorcycles, and a further 112 were riding toktoks. In addition, 293 were arrested for keeping their shops open after the beginning of curfew hours.
A total of 324 had their car licences withdrawn for not complying with the directive to wear face masks inside their cars.
The arrests come as part of continued efforts to ensure citizen health and safety through a range of government sanctioned precautionary measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Egypt.
The Ministry of Interior said that all necessary legal measures have been taken against those violating the curfew. It added that there will be continued monitoring and follow up with security directorates nationwide regarding further violations.
On 30 May, the Ministry of Interior instructed for face masks to be worn in all public areas nationwide. Citizens found not to be wearing face masks will face fines of up to EGP 4,000 or imprisonment.
Also on 30 May, Egypt started a two-week nationwide curfew beginning at 20:00, rather than from 17:00 as enforced over the Eid Al-Fitr holiday. This relaxing of curfew timings comes as part of the country’s gradual reopening, expected from mid-June.
