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Egypt suspending all flights amid coronavirus spread

As the number of Egypt's COVID-19 cases rise to 150, Cairo says that all flights will be suspended for nearly two weeks and that tourism sites will be thoroughly sanitized.
A passenger wears a protective mask at Cairo International Airport, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Cairo, Egypt March 10, 2020. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany - RC2ZGF9LL3SF

In an effort to control the spread of the coronavirus, Egypt is suspending all flights into and out of the country's airports beginning at noon Thursday, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said today.

The flight shutdown will last through March 31 and during that time Egypt will sanitize hotels and tourist attractions. Egypt’s economy relies heavily on foreign tourism, and in February alone hosted more than 900,000 tourists.

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