Egypt Health Ministry Urges Social Distancing, Mask Wearing

Tourists wearing protective face masks are seen in front of the pyramid of Khafre in Giza, Egypt, November 9, 2020. (Reuters)
Tourists wearing protective face masks are seen in front of the pyramid of Khafre in Giza, Egypt, November 9, 2020. (Reuters)
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Egypt Health Ministry Urges Social Distancing, Mask Wearing

Tourists wearing protective face masks are seen in front of the pyramid of Khafre in Giza, Egypt, November 9, 2020. (Reuters)
Tourists wearing protective face masks are seen in front of the pyramid of Khafre in Giza, Egypt, November 9, 2020. (Reuters)

Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population stressed the importance of avoiding crowds and wearing face masks while attending public events.

It pointed to the need to of maintain social distance as a precaution against COVID-19.

The ministry further urged organizers of public events to ensure leaving at least one meter between seats, placing signs on the ground to help attendees maintain social distance and regulating the entrance and exit of people.

Separately, official spokesperson for the Cairo Metro Ahmad Abdul Hadi announced that authorities will continue to fine people who fail to wear face masks.

Some fines are as high as 4,000 pounds, while in some instances the violators are referred to the general prosecution that would decide on a fine.

The Company for Metro Management and Operation continues to disinfect trains, stations and ticket counters to maintain a safe environment for passengers.

Abdul Hadi said daily campaigns are carried out to ensure that passengers are wearing masks, while raising awareness of the importance of abiding by the precautionary measures in light of the second coronavirus wave that hit Egypt.

He called on people not to take their masks off during their ride or while waiting in the station to avoid the transmission of the virus.

Egypt has reported 115,000 infections, 102,000 recoveries and 6,621 fatalities from the disease.



Türkiye's Erdogan Discusses Syria Situation with Putin by Phone, Ankara Says

 Syrian opposition fighters ride on motorcycles through abandoned Syrian army vehicles on a road in the outskirts of Hama, Syria, Tuesday Dec. 3, 2024.(AP)
Syrian opposition fighters ride on motorcycles through abandoned Syrian army vehicles on a road in the outskirts of Hama, Syria, Tuesday Dec. 3, 2024.(AP)
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Türkiye's Erdogan Discusses Syria Situation with Putin by Phone, Ankara Says

 Syrian opposition fighters ride on motorcycles through abandoned Syrian army vehicles on a road in the outskirts of Hama, Syria, Tuesday Dec. 3, 2024.(AP)
Syrian opposition fighters ride on motorcycles through abandoned Syrian army vehicles on a road in the outskirts of Hama, Syria, Tuesday Dec. 3, 2024.(AP)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the renewed outbreak of conflict in Syria with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone, Erdogan's office said in a post on X on Tuesday.

Erdogan and Putin spoke as Syrian opposition forces advancing against government troops pushed close on Tuesday to the major city of Hama, fighters and a war monitor said, after their sudden capture of Aleppo last week rocked President Bashar al-Assad.

Erdogan told Putin that Türkiye supports Syria's territorial integrity and strives for a just and lasting solution in Syria, the statement said.

"President Erdogan highlighted the importance of making more room for diplomacy in the region, and underscored that the Syrian regime should engage in the political solution process," it said. Erdogan also said that Syria should not become a source of greater instability.

"Erdogan stated that Türkiye will continue to maintain its determined stance on the fight against the terrorist organization PKK and its extensions who are trying to take advantage of the recent developments in Syria," the statement said.