Tunisia: Authorities plan to impose four-day nationwide lockdown Jan. 14-17 to combat COVID-19 /update 34

Event

Authorities in Tunisia have announced that they will impose a four-day nationwide lockdown Jan. 14-17 as part of the nation's efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The nationwide lockdown will consist of a series of restrictive measures, including a 1600-0600 curfew. Authorities have also ordered the closure of schools and universities Jan. 13-24 and the suspension of public events Jan. 14-24. Restaurants and cafes can only offer take-out services Jan. 18-24.

In response to the new strain of COVID-19, authorities have suspended all flights, including transit, between Tunisia and Denmark until further notice. Officials have also banned flights from Australia, South Africa, and the UK due to the new COVID-19 variant initially discovered in the southeast of England.

The Tunisian Ministry of Health has extended the existing nationwide nightly 2000-0500 curfew through Jan. 15. Existing restrictions, including a ban on large gatherings, remain in place during this period. Other domestic measures that remain in force include:

• Travel between governorates is prohibited, except for work purposes and medical emergencies. Tunis, Manouba, Ariana, and Ben Arous governorates are exempt from this measure.

• Protective face coverings or masks are mandatory in public areas.

• Public transportation continues to operate at 50-percent capacity to avoid overcrowding.

Land, sea, and air borders have reopened with certain restrictions and requirements for all persons entering the country. All travelers must provide a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken 72 hours before traveling to Tunisia, regardless of their point of origin. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from this requirement. Arriving travelers are also required to self-isolate in a hotel or at home for 14 days. They may take a second PCR test seven days after entering the country, and those with a negative test result may exit quarantine. Health officials also perform random COVID-19 testing at airports. Additionally, authorities require all travelers to download the E7mi tracking application upon arrival in the country.

Travelers who do not produce a negative test result upon arrival in Tunisia are subject to a three-day mandatory quarantine and must get tested at their own expense. Individuals who plan on staying in the country for five days or less must provide a negative test result upon arrival and are exempt from the self-isolation requirement.

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

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Tunisian COVID-19 Country Clarifications (Arabic)
Tunisian Ministry of Health (French)
E7mi Mobile Tracking Application (Arabic)