Algeria: Authorities to further ease COVID-19 restrictions June 14 /update 19

Event

The Algerian government announced on Saturday, June 13, that restrictions introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak will be further eased from Sunday, June 14. Curfew measures will be ended in the following provinces: El Bayadh, Ain Defla, Ghardaïa, Guelma, Illizi, Jijel, Mila, Mostaganem, Naama, Saida, Skikda, Tamanrasset, El Tarf, Tebessa, Ain Temouchent, Tiaret, Tindouf, Tizi-Ouzou, and Tlemcen. In the remaining 29 provinces, which includes Algiers, the curfew will now run on a shorter timeframe from between 20:00 and 05:00 (local time). The government also stated that buses and taxi services in cities will be allowed to resume with limits on the number of passengers. Other businesses such as clothing shops, car rentals, and hair salons will be permitted to reopen.

On Sunday, June 7, Algerian authorities eased restrictions enacted to limit the spread of COVID-19. During this first phase of easing, several industries were permitted to resume operations, including plumbers, painters, travel agents, fast food restaurants (take-away only), and art galleries. 

All land borders remain closed and non-cargo international air and maritime travel, as well as domestic flights, are suspended. Public spaces including schools, universities, and mosques also remain closed.

As of June 13, health authorities have confirmed 10,810 COVID-19 cases and 760 associated deaths in the country. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.