Nightly curfew across Egypt to slow virus spread

Egypt has announced a nightly curfew in the Arab world's most populous country in an effort to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, its prime minister said Tuesday.

Moustafa Madbouly said the 11-hour curfew from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. (1700GMT to 0400GMT) would go into effect Wednesday across the country.

He said it would last for two weeks.

Madbouly added the schools and universities would be closed, along with much of the country's transport network.

Egypt has 366 confirmed coronavirus cases and 21 deaths.

Most patients who contract the new coronavirus develop only mild symptoms and recover after about two weeks.

But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by those with no visible symptoms.

For older adults and people with underlying health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.