Egypt's tourism and antiquities ministry has issued new regulations and precautionary measures for archaeological missions to resume excavations, a statement by the ministry read on Sunday. Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said that to ensure hygiene safety during excavations, archaeological missions must provide the necessary disinfectants before the start of work, and masks and gloves must be worn during work hours at all times. All excavation tools must be disinfected regularly, while the number of workers is not to exceed 30 people in open-air sites and four people inside each tomb or burial shaft, among them the archaeological inspector. Physical distancing must be observed during work hours and the head of the mission and the inspector must regularly remind workers and mission members of the dangers of the coronavirus and the precautionary measures that have to be taken. Temperatures of workers and members of the mission must be taken each day before work, and everyone must follow health and preventive regulations and bring their own personal items. Eating and drinking utensils may not be shared.
