Tunisia: Authorities extend curfew in the Greater Tunis Area until November 6 /update 23

Event

Tunisian authorities announced on Thursday, October 22, that the curfew in the Greater Tunis Area has been extended due to an increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the region. The curfew is in place from 21:00 - 05:00 (local time) Monday to Friday, and from 19:00 - 05:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. All non-essential businesses have been ordered to close during the curfew.

Additionally, a 20:00 - 05:00 curfew remains in place in the Sousse, Bizerte, Gabes, Kef, and Kasserine governorates. While in the Monastir and Sidi Bouzid governorates a 20:00 - 06:00 curfew applies. In Djerba Island and Zaghouan governorate, a curfew between 21:00 - 05:00 remains in place.

Face masks remain mandatory in public places nationwide. Schools remain closed though universities have reopened following strict hygiene measures. Nonessential businesses are permitted to resume operations at 70 percent capacity. Restaurants and cafes have reopened, following social distancing regulations. Public transport is also operating at 50 percent capacity.

The country have reopened land, sea, and air borders, following strict restrictions and requirements for individuals entering the country, depending on their country of origin. Authorities have categorized countries as either green, orange, or red locations, dependent on the risk of COVID-19 transmission in these areas. Those arriving from "green" locations, which are deemed low-risk for COVID-19 transmission, will not be tested or be required to self-isolate upon arrival. Those arriving from "orange" locations will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure, quarantine for at least 14 days upon arrival, and sign an official declaration. Tunisians are required to self-isolate for 14 days at home. Those arriving from "red" countries are not permitted to enter the country unless they are Tunisian nationals and residents, and will be required to quarantine for seven days.

As of October 22, health authorities have confirmed 45,892 COVID-19 cases in Tunisia, with 740 associated deaths. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, or a rash on the skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone non-essential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the general risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.