People are seen in front of the pyramid of Khufu, Egypt illuminated with text encouraging people to stay home.

Gulf Today Report

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities emblazoned the front of the Great Pyramid of Giza conveying a message of solidarity and appreciation with those battling the novel coronavirus the world over.

The message, displayed in both English and Arabic read, “Stay Home” “Stay Safe”, “Thank You to Those Keeping Us Safe”.

Egypt has so far registered 656 coronavirus cases, including 41 deaths. Of the total infected, 150 reportedly recovered.

"The tourism sector is one of the most affected industry but our priority is health," said tourism and antiquities minister Khaled al-Anani.

Senior antiquities ministry official Mostafa al-Waziri thanked all the medical staff.

Egypt has carried out sweeping disinfection operations at archaeological sites, museums and other sites across the country.

In tandem, strict social distancing measures were imposed to reduce the risk of contagion among the country's 100 million inhabitants.

Tourist and religious sites are shuttered, schools are closed and air traffic halted.

Authorities have also declared a night-time curfew and threatened penalties including fines and even prison.

People take pictures in front of the Great pyramid of Kheops where a laser projection writes "Stay at home, stay safe.

On Monday, the interior ministry said hundreds were arrested for violating curfew orders. It was not immediately clear if they were later released.

The World Health Organization has commended Egypt's response to the pandemic as "strong and adapted to the situation".

But it called on the Arab world's most populous country to boost hospital resources to better prepare for potential wider transmission.

Over 950,504 people have been infected and more than 48,276 have died worldwide, according to latest figures.