Tunisia announces one-week lockdown including Eid 

Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi on Friday announced a seven-day comprehensive quarantine, including Eid Al-Fitr, and closing places of worship.

Mechichi announced in a press conference that the government had approved a general lockdown in the country from 9-16 May, including Eid Al-Fitr, to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The Tunisian PM called on citizens to abide by the decision and not to exchange visits during the religious holiday.

He warned that the epidemiological situation in Tunisia is: “Dangerous, and the country is threatened by a health crisis that may be the most menacing in its history,” stressing the need to be aware of the seriousness of the situation.

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Government Spokesperson Hasna Bin Sulaiman explained during the same press conference: “The measures that will accompany the comprehensive quarantine are banning movement between governorates and prohibiting all forms of gatherings (social, cultural, sports).”

Bin Sulaiman also announced closing places of worship, daily and weekly markets and major commercial stores, while maintaining the compulsory seven-day quarantine on all travellers to the country.

Eid Al-Fitr is expected to begin next Thursday (13 May) in Tunisia and most Muslim countries.

According to the latest figures, the number of coronavirus infections in Tunisia has reached 318,236, including 11,277 deaths and 274,270 recoveries.

The total number of fully vaccinated Tunisians amounts to 114,000, according to official statistics.

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