Algeria: Authorities extend nightly curfew in multiple provinces through the end of July to combat COVID-19 /update 9

Event

Authorities in Algeria have extended the nightly 23:59-04:00 curfew through at least July 31 in 14 provinces, including Algiers, Oran, Tebessa, and Constantine, as part of their efforts to combat COVID-19.

Other domestic measures include:

• Public transport can only operate at 50 percent occupancy.

• All gatherings remain banned.

• Mandatory wearing of facemasks.

Nevertheless, the government has eased some other domestic measures, including restrictions on most nonessential businesses. National rail services are operating, with passengers subject to body temperature scans before boarding trains. Domestic flights are operational. Public transport is operating in all 58 of the nation's provinces. Taxis and app-based ride-sharing services are also working, albeit under certain capacity limitations. A ban on public and private vehicle traffic between provinces remains in place on weekends. Freight transport continues to run normally.

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. The government has tasked the nation's various police departments with enforcing the measures; violators could face fines or other criminal or administrative penalties.

Land borders will remain closed until further notice. However, limited international flights have resumed. Air Algerie (AH) airlines plan to operate six weekly flights to and from France, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey. All passengers must take a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) within 36 hours before traveling to Algeria and undergo a five-day mandatory quarantine in hotels at their own expense. Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 will have to undergo quarantine for at least 10 days.

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. Confirm all 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. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

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