Pandemic restrictions curtail holiday festivities

He said business has dropped by more than two-thirds, forcing them to lay off 10 workers.

In Egypt, authorities have extended the nighttime curfew, which will now begin at 5pm instead of 9pm, and halted public transportation until May 29.

Shopping centres, beaches and parks, which would ordinarily be packed, will be closed.

Manal Zakaria, who lives in the city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean

coast, said her family usually celebrates by gathering for big meals, singing, dancing and taking group photos.

“I am very, very, very sad because I will not be seeing my siblings and their children,” she said. “No matter how much we talk over the phone, there is nothing like coming together.”

In Indonesia, the largest Muslimmajority country, President Joko Widodo said restrictions would remain in place through the holiday.

The country, with a population of 270 million, has reported more than 18,000 cases, including around 1,200 deaths.

“I emphasise, there is no relaxing the policy of social restriction yet,” Mr Widodo said during a virtual cabinet meeting on Monday.

Since the start of Ramadan, the government has imposed an outright ban on “mudik”, a holiday tradition in which millions of Indonesians living in big cities flock to their home towns to celebrate with relatives.

Health experts had warned could set off a wave of new cases.

Malaysia will allow people to visit relatives who live nearby, but such gatherings are limited to 20 people.

Visitors are urged to wear face masks and to refrain from hugging, kissing and sharing plates.

Some mosques have reopened, but congregations are limited to 30 people. it