Egypt's pyramids lit with virus safety message

The pyramids were illuminated with different messages like 'Stay Home, Stay Safe' and 'Experience Egypt Soon'. Egypt has shuttered schools, universities and other activities to encourage people to stay home and slow the spread of the virus.

Giza: The Great Pyramids of Egypt were illuminated with a virus safety message on Saturday in celebration of the World Heritage Day.

World Heritage Day is an annual event celebrated on 18 April every year.

Egypt's minister of tourism and antiquities Khaled el-Enany attended the celebration which included a musical performance played on a screen.

The pyramids were illuminated with different messages like 'Stay Home, Stay Safe' and 'Experience Egypt Soon'.

Egypt has shuttered schools, universities, mosques, churches and archaeological sites including the famed Giza Pyramids, halted international air travel, and ordered restaurants, coffee shops, malls and gyms to close at night to encourage people to stay home and slow the spread of the virus.

A curfew is in place from 8 pm (1800GMT) to 6 am (0400GMT) local time.

Egypt on Saturday reported 19 deaths and 188 confirmed cases of coronavirus, the country's highest one-day tally since the first case was confirmed in February.

The latest figures took the tally to 224 fatalities and 3,032 cases including 224 deaths.

The ministry said more than 700 people had recovered and left the quarantine.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.

(With inputs from AP)