Warning Alert
Tunisia imposes several coronavirus-related restrictions in Greater Tunis for at least two weeks, Oct. 8. Nightly 2100-0500 curfew in place.
Alert Begins 07 Oct 2020 10:18 PM UTC
Alert Expires 20 Nov 2020 11:59 PM UTC
- Incident: COVID-19 restrictions
- Location(s): Nationwide (map)
- Time Frame: Indefinite
- Impact: Transport and business disruptions
Summary
As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), authorities in Tunisia imposed additional restrictions across the country on Oct. 7. The new measures, which will be in place for two weeks, are due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. Restrictions have been added in the following locations:
- Greater Tunis Area: Effective Oct. 8, a nightly curfew will be in place from 2100-0500 Monday through Friday and 1900-0500 on Saturdays and Sundays. All nonessential businesses will close during the curfew.
- Kef Governorate: As of Oct. 7, there is a 2000-0500 nightly curfew in place for 15 days. Authorities have closed Friday prayers and banned travel outside the city. Restaurants and cafes may only provide take away services.
- Kasserine Governorate: Authorities have imposed a nightly 1900-0500 curfew for 10 days. Weekly markets have been shut down and public baths have been ordered to close. The ban on all public gatherings and reduced working hours for government workers remains in place through at least Oct. 20.
- Sousse Governorate: A nightly 2000-0600 curfew is in effect through Oct. 15. All nonessential businesses will close during the curfew hours Public gatherings remain banned.
- Monastir Governorate: A nightly 2000-0600 curfew is in effect through Oct. 15. All nonessential businesses will close during the curfew hours. Public gatherings remain banned.
Despite the recent local curfew mandates, authorities have eased many COVID-19 restrictions. The nationwide curfew is no longer in effect; however, local governments have the authority to impose their own curfews. Land, sea, and air borders have reopened with restrictions and requirements for all persons entering the country. Entry requirements into Tunisia vary depending on the prevalence of COVID-19 in a traveler's country of origin. Authorities have classified countries as green, orange, or red.
Travelers arriving from countries designated "green" or locations deemed low-risk for COVID-19 transmission are not required to take a test or self-isolate upon arrival.
Travelers arriving from countries designated "orange" or locations deemed moderate risk for COVID-19 transmission must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours prior to departure, quarantine for at least 14 days upon arrival, and sign a declaration to abide by these measures. Tunisians are requested to self-isolate for 14 days at home.
Travelers arriving from "red" countries or locations deemed high-risk for COVID-19 transmission are not permitted to enter Tunisia. Tunisian nationals and residents are exempt. Authorities will place such persons in mandatory quarantine for seven days.
Domestically, the following measures remain in place:
- Protective face coverings or masks are mandatory in public areas.
- Private and public schools remain closed. Universities have reopened with strict hygiene measures in place.
- Nonessential businesses have been permitted to resume operations at 70-percent capacity. Restaurants and cafes have reopened with social-distancing measures in place.
- Public transportation continues to operate at 50-percent capacity to avoid overcrowding.
- Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.
Background and Analysis
Tunisia's travel restrictions and preventive measures are similar to actions taken by other governments globally in response to the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.
Advice
Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Confirm appointments. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers.
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 a 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.