The evening of Monday 30 March saw the Great Pyramid at Giza bathed in bright red light and emblazoned with messages warning against coronavirus.
“Stay home”; “Stay safe” shone in yellow and blue against the red background. “Thank you to those keeping us safe” glowed in white. The big ‘thank you’ was meant for the doctors, nurses, health workers, helpers and cleaners at the frontline of the battle against COVID-19 the world over.
The illumination of the Giza Pyramid, the only remaining wonder of the ancient world, was a show of solidarity with the whole world in confronting coronavirus.
“Our tourism sector is one of the most affected by the global outbreak of the virus,” said Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani, speaking at the site, “but health concerns are our first priority.”
Until 30 March, Egypt had reported 656 COVID-19 cases, including 41 deaths.
The tourism authorities teamed up with the Health Ministry to carry out sweeping disinfection operations at archaeological sites, museums and other sites across the country. Airports are currently closed.
Watani International
31 March 2020