Tunisian President Kais Saied orders nationwide lockdown amid coronavirus outbreak

A Tunisian public health worker disinfects the entrance to the market in Tunis, Tunisia. Picture: ANA Pictures.

A Tunisian public health worker disinfects the entrance to the market in Tunis, Tunisia. Picture: ANA Pictures.

Published Mar 21, 2020

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Tunis - Tunisian President Kais Saied has ordered a nationwide lockdown, amid drastic measures to contain the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) from spreading.

The 14-day lockdown will start from Sunday until April 4. According to CGTN Africa (China Global Television Network), currently, more than 8767 civilians have been quarantined and almost 6000 have completed quarantine. At present, Covid-19 cases stand at 39, and the north African country has had one fatality. 

In a speech on Friday, Saied said all 24 provinces of Tunisia were to be isolated to slow down the rate of internal transmission of the virus. According to an official statement released by the Tunisian government, “Citizens and residents are called to stay at home and to go out only for a necessity, such as medical supplies and treatment".

Further measures include lockdown on land and maritime borders, as well as the closure of mosques, restaurants, and markets. 

African News Agency/ANA

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