“Coronavirus” Suspends Cultural, Artistic, and Literary Activities in Downtown

Several cultural organizations announced the cancellation of their activities and cultural and artistic events during the coming period. Foremost among them is the Ministry of Culture and all its affiliated institutions, in implementation of the Prime Minister’s instructions and as part of precautionary measures to confront the novel coronavirus.

Canceled concerts include Eman Shaker and the Friends Band’s Spring Concert at the Egyptian Opera House, Tanoura performances at Al-Ghouri Agency, and events at the Ministry of Culture’s centers and cultural houses.

The French Cultural Institute announced the suspension of its activities and events and the postponement of French Culture Week in implementation of the decision.

Among the scheduled events that were canceled were the play Cyrano de Bergerac, a discussion with author Raphaël Frieder, and a meeting with author Maylis de Kerangal.

The Journalists’ Syndicate also announced late Monday evening that it was suspending all group activities and sterilizing the building as a precautionary measure against the virus.

The Cairo Literary Festival administration had announced on March 6 that it was postponing the festival to the period from ١٩ to ٢٤ September for the same reasons, before the Prime Minister’s recommendation.