The coronavirus is spreading faster than ever in Egypt, and doctors blame the government as more and more health care workers are dying. While Egypt makes plans to further open up the economy despite the number of cases rising to nearly 18,000 as of May 26, life on the streets of Cairo is sometimes busier than normal, with shoppers, partygoers and even some tourists enjoying the holiday season. For VOA, Hamada Elrasam has pictures, with words by Heather Murdock.
People Crowd Cairo's Streets as COVID-19 Cases Climb
![Egypt's COVID-19 cases are spiking, but in the markets, social distancing guidelines are often ignored in Cairo and some locals say the streets are more crowded than ever.](https://gdb.voanews.com/72cd1975-710b-4572-9684-3e176bb4a59f_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
1
Egypt's COVID-19 cases are spiking, but in the markets, social distancing guidelines are often ignored in Cairo and some locals say the streets are more crowded than ever.
![Many people have taken to driving tuk-tuk cars to make money after losing their jobs during the pandemic lockdown, imposing further traffic jams in market areas.](https://gdb.voanews.com/9860e110-4c79-49fd-9545-1ad0c6e6a081_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
2
Many people have taken to driving tuk-tuk cars to make money after losing their jobs during the pandemic lockdown, imposing further traffic jams in market areas.
![Barbers have remained open throughout the pandemic, with business booming during the ongoing Islamic holidays.](https://gdb.voanews.com/15f90b97-dc76-4b35-8bf9-53a1e11e5802_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
3
Barbers have remained open throughout the pandemic, with business booming during the ongoing Islamic holidays.
![Restaurants are not allowed to open their doors, but some operate on the streets without following health and safety guidelines.](https://gdb.voanews.com/5134312e-95b2-4c87-87bb-c248afc6bc9a_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
4
Restaurants are not allowed to open their doors, but some operate on the streets without following health and safety guidelines.