Tunisia will being going into a four-day nationwide lockdown starting on Thursday to stem the spread of Covid-19 infections.
The north African state has been struggling to reduce the number of infections since September. It has so far confirmed over 160,000 cases since the pandemic started with more than 5,000 deaths.
The government has been avoiding a nationwide lockdown for months, opting instead for a nightly curfew that has been in place since October.
But the infection rate has not decreased with at least 300 new cases being confirmed daily.
Health Minister Faouzi Mehdi told a news conference that new measures will include extending the night curfew, which will now start from 1700GMT to 0500GMT.
Schools will also be closed from Wednesday until 24 January.
The nationwide lockdown will start on a day that marks a decade since the toppling of former autocratic ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali following mass protests.
The country’s economy has been struggling over the years and the coronavirus pandemic has contributed further to its downturn.
Latest Stories
-
Government suspends implementation of price Stabilisation and Recovery levy on petroleum products
26 mins -
Takoradi traders lament over low sales ahead of Easter
2 hours -
Michael Ampadu: One Student, One Tablet initiative will shape the future of education and innovation
2 hours -
I will partner you for development – Alan tells TUC
2 hours -
Malnutrition, anemia remain concern to UNICEF
2 hours -
Kasoa shrinking penis: Court remands Electrician over false alarm
3 hours -
Chief of Mampong Hemang donates land for mental health facility construction
3 hours -
‘I look forward to working closely with President-elect Faye to enhance Ghanaian-Senegalese relations’ – Akufo-Addo
4 hours -
Girl, 8, only survivor as 45 killed in bus crash in South Africa
4 hours -
Biden to host star-studded NYC fundraiser with Obama and Clinton
4 hours -
GDNR, AAU and others launch Universal Acceptance for local languages in internet domain names
5 hours -
Ogum and Kotoko’s March malaise
6 hours -
BushGang Zee releases new afro dancehall anthem “Accra Stay By Plan”
7 hours -
2 repair vessels dispatched for undersea cable repairs – says NCA’s latest update
7 hours -
Multimedia Group Limited’s Clinton Yeboah shortlisted for 2 International Sports Press Association Awards
7 hours