Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has approved the resumption of cultural events, such as book fairs, festivals, exhibitions, and theatrical performances at open-air halls following a three month hiatus.
Cultural events will be allowed to take place so long as venues are filled to a maximum capacity of 50%, in addition to applying all the preventive measures against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The nationwide resumption comes after a three-month hiatus due to a government-imposed lockdown on the back of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier, the Ministry of Culture decided to halt all public activities after a prime ministerial decree forbidding large gatherings to curb the spread of the pandemic.
Minister of Culture Inas Abdel Dayem applauded the Prime Minister’s decision, asserting that holding these events in open spaces positively affects Egypt’s culture and artistic industries.
She added that resuming culture events will create good opportunities for developing the country’s cultural and artistic products.
Abdel Dayem indicated that resuming international festivals will Egypt help to communicate with the world outside its borders.
The minister directed for all cultural sectors, including the Supreme Committee for Festivals, to adhere to all precautionary measures against the coronavirus.
She also noted Egypt’s keenness to resume the cultural activities which highlight the value of culture’s soft power, as one of the strategic axes of sustainable development.
