Egypt's pyramids send a message to the world

The message was written in both Arabic and English, as it was not only directed to Egyptians, but also to the whole world, said the tourism and antiquities minister, Khaled el Anani.

"It is a message of solidarity to all the countries in which the virus has spread to an advanced stage," said Anani.

Aside from telling people to remain at home, the illuminated pyramid also showed a message of appreciation to medical staff and others working to contain the illness.

"The second part of the message, which is very important, is a message of thanks, appreciation, and respect to all those who have contributed to caring for the wellbeing of the general public in Egypt," said secretary-general of the supreme council of antiquities, Mostafa Waziri.

All tourism sites in Egypt - from the pyramids and Egyptian museum in Cairo to the Valley of the Kings in Luxor - have been shut as authorities try to prevent coronavirus from spreading.