Algeria: Rail transport resumes operations as of Jan. 6 following months of suspension due to coronavirus disease-related restrictions /update 26

Event

As part of ongoing efforts to ease restrictions related to coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the National Rail Transportation Company (SNTF) in Algeria has resumed operations as of Jan. 6 following more than nine months of suspension. Temperature checks, however, will be administered before passengers can board trains.

Domestic flights have also resumed operation after an earlier suspension due to the pandemic. Repatriation flights, which began Dec. 4, has been operating as part of the country's efforts to return Algerian nationals who are stranded abroad. Commercial international flights, however, remain suspended until further notice. Returning Algerian nationals and those foreign travelers allowed to enter the country are required to quarantine for seven days in a government-designated hotel followed by another seven days of quarantine at a location of the traveler's choosing.

Public transport has resumed operation in all of the nation's 48 provinces; taxi and app-based, ride-sharing services have resumed operations, albeit under certain capacity limitations. However, a ban on public and private vehicle traffic between provinces remains in place on weekends. Freight transport continues to operate normally.

Authorities have allowed several types of businesses and services to reopen nationwide, including construction companies, real estate agencies, travel agencies, fruit markets, bakeries, hair salons, car rental companies, and government institutions. Restaurants have also reopened in provinces where officials have lifted lockdown measures. Residents must wear protective face coverings when in public, including in vehicles. Social-distancing guidelines require that individuals stay at least 1 meter (3 feet) apart when interacting with each other.

Authorities, however, extended the existing 2000-0500 nightly curfew in 29 provinces, including Algiers, Oran, Tipaza, and Constantine, through Jan. 15 to stem spread of COVID-19. Sports halls, cultural centers, beaches, and entertainment venues will be closed in these areas for the duration of the measure.

The government has tasked the nation's various police departments with enforcing the measures that remain in force; violators could face fines or other criminal or administrative penalties. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Algeria Ministry of Health (French)
Algeria COVID-19 Updates (French/Arabic/English)
Air Algerie