When The Pyramids Of Giza In Egypt Shut Down Due To COVID-19

Pyramid of Giza (Spencer Davis / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Egyptian tourism is under threat. The COVID-19 outbreak has forced them to close a number of tourist attractions, including the Giza Pyramid Complex. A major blow to the country, which in 2019 earned revenues of US $ 12.6 billion or equivalent to Rp.194.4 trillion from the tourism sector.

Following the closure, local authorities immediately used the momentum to sterilize the areas around the Pyramids of Giza. Sterilization was carried out for all archaeological sites and famous museums from Cairo to the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.

As reported by The Canberra Times, workers equipped with masks, gloves and cleaning equipment began sweeping and spraying the paths around the Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure Pyramid Complex. The sterilization process starts from the entrance, the ticket office, to the streets around the three monuments and the Sphinx.

Egyptian Pyramid Area Management Director Ashraf Mohie El-Din said the closure facilitated the sterilization process. "So, when tourism recovers, the pyramid area is in maximum splendor for receiving visitors," he said.

Even so, the sterilization step carried out is only the first stage of disinfection. Furthermore, there will be another phase to be taken. "We are in the process of disinfection of all tourist sites, although the artifacts themselves require special materials and (cleaning) must be carried out by a special team."

Furthermore, Ashraf Mohie explained, currently only sterilization measures are carried out on tourist routes, roads, buildings and administrative facilities. This step was taken as a follow-up to the handling of COVID-19 set by the Egyptian government.

Previously, the Egyptian government had asked employees in the tourism sector to self-isolate at home until the end of the month. The death rate due to COVID-19 in Egypt is quite high, reaching 19 of the total findings of 366 positive cases.