Cairo security services on Monday took legal measures against 248 citizens for failing to wear face masks in public, and confiscated the licenses of 324 drivers who were not wearing masks.
The actions were taken out of concern for the safety of citizens, and to help implement of the precautionary measures taken by state agencies to reduce the spread of coronavirus, the Ministry of the Interior said in a statement on Monday.
It added that it will continue these measures to ensure the safety of citizens.
Authorities across Egypt on Sunday began enforcing a ministerial decree ordering people to wear face masks in public, with fines imposed against any violators.
Most residents in Cairo committed to wearing masks in the streets, and in shopping centers and other businesses.
Security at various shopping centers also began measuring body temperatures before allowing people to enter, while authorities in notary offices prevented anyone without masks from entering.
Police established traffic patrols nationwide at bus and mini-bus stations to monitor adherence to the law among passengers and drivers alike, filing reports against any violators.
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly issued a decision on May 19 instituting additional precautionary and preventive measures to address the spread of coronavirus pandemic following the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
The Prime Minister’s decree — put into effect May 30 and lasting for 15 days — obliges all individuals to wear a face mask when entering or working in markets, businesses, government installations, private establishments and banks, and while riding in public or private mass transportation.
The decision also stipulated that violation of these rules can result in a fine of up to LE 4,000 and/or imprisonment.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
