Coronavirus: Life in Ramallah resumes for Ramadan races

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In the Palestinian Territories, it's time for Ramadan, while the number of cases of coronavirus is still increasing. So far, 484 infected people have been identified, including 12 in the Gaza Strip. But while the authorities have requested minimum outings and the West Bank is still under curfew to fight the spread of the virus, Ramadan races are essential and the streets of Ramallah are busy.

Publicity

with our correspondent in the Palestinian Territories,  Alice Froussard

The streets of Ramallah have regained their excitement. There are even traffic jams, missing for over a month. Zakarya, delivery man at Taybeh Al Quds, supplies the city's stores with dried fruit. At this time of year, he is used to running everywhere. It is much less the case these days.

"  Of course it's different," he says. For Ramadan, usually there is a special atmosphere. But for the moment, it is not yet there because we do not have access to everything, especially the mosques. And then people can't go out after iftar, the breakup of the youngster.  "

Zakarya nuts and dates leave quickly, but the man in his fifties is skeptical. It's only the beginning, he says.

Light garlands and curfew

However, in the streets of the city where the Palestinian Authority sits , street vendors offer juice and fruit. You can buy light garlands, typical of Ramadan. Many people go out, but out of necessity, for shopping, between 10 am and 5 pm, compliance with the curfew requires. Nothing to do with the gloom of the last days.

Amir's shop, which sells sweets, has come back to life too. "  Fortunately, we closed a week, but we were able to reopen," he explains. Usually on Friday, everything is closed: supermarkets, fruit and vegetable merchants, everything ... But for the start of Ramadan, the Palestinian Authority authorized the opening. And we have everything planned!  Exclaims Amir, showing his stock of masks, gloves and disinfectant.

► Read also: In Gaza, the prospect of a spread of the coronavirus worries

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