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Optimism in unlocking the lockdown
There was optimism in several Middle Eastern countries deciding to ease the lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic to revive local economies. The holy month of Ramadan ushered in relaxations in movement restrictions in several cities across the region including the UAE, while being vigilant to avoid a further spread of the virus.
Saudi Arabia too moved quickly to partially lift the curfew in all regions of the Kingdom from April 29 to May 13, while keeping a 24-hour curfew in Mecca and previously isolated neighbourhoods.
In Oman, Muscat Municipality reopened the Central Vegetables and Fruits Market in A’Seeb, after a week-long lockdown as a precautionary measure. However, security measures and checkpoints in place in the Governorate of Muscat are extended until May 8.
Also, the gloomy outlook in the MENA is starting to brighten in parts of the region, where governments are taking measures to get their countries back on track.
Iran, the hardest-hit country in the region, announced the reopening of mosques from May 4, and considering the reopening of schools from May 16 to allow for a month of classes before the summer break.
Lebanon, already facing its worst financial crisis in recent history, effective April 27 allowed some factories, government organisations, delivery services and hotels to open. Beginning May 4, eased the lockdown further by allowing restaurants to operate at a 30% capacity, and hair salons, playgrounds etc. to open during the day.
Egypt’s tourism sector earned $12.6 billion in 2019. Tourism which accounts for 12-15% of GDP, is crippled since March, following the closure of its airports. Now, the country has decided to allow hotels to reopen for domestic tourists and operate at 25% capacity until May-end. From June 1, hotels will be allowed 50% capacity.
Many European countries which began easing restrictions on lockdowns have met with positive results. Italy, one of the worst-hit in Europe, eased restrictions in April and has now surprised everyone with the announcement that an estimated four million people were returning to work on May 4. If it can happen in Italy, why not elsewhere?