Algeria: Authorities extend nightly curfew until December 16 /update 31

Event

Algerian authorities announced that the nightly curfew currently in place between the hours of 20:00 - 05:00 (local time) has been extended until at least December 16, due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The extension has been implemented in 34 provinces due to a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in those areas. The provinces are Algiers, Adrar, Ain Temouchent, Annaba, Batna, Bejaia, Biskra, Blida, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira, Boumerdès, Constantine, El Oued, El Tarf, Guelma, Khenchela, Illizi, Jijel, Laghouat, Medea, M'sila, Mostanagem, Oran, Ouargla, Oum El Bouaghi, Sétif, Souk Ahras, Tebessa, Tiaret, Tindouf, Tipaza, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou and Tlemcen.

Additionally, the gradual resumption of domestic flights is scheduled to take place from December 6. Although some public spaces such as parks and mosques have been permitted to reopen, the wearing of face masks is mandatory in these areas is mandatory. All public gatherings remain prohibited and a nationwide ban on family gatherings also remains in place. Security forces will enforce measures; violators could face fines or other penalties.

As of December 1, there have been 83,110 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Algeria and 2431 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be 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 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 nonessential 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 risk of COVID-19 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.