ALGIERS- Faced with the rebound of Covid-19 infections in Algeria, induced by the spread of the Omicron variant, the wilaya of Algiers announced this Thursday, in a press release, new restrictive measures.

To this end, public recreational spaces for leisure and relaxation will be shut for a period of ten days, as of Thursday, January 20.

The wilaya of Algiers also called for “strict compliance” with preventive measures in large commercial areas, urban transport and administrations while the wearing of a mask remains “compulsory”.

The wilaya also stresses that “any violation of health protection measures in stores and commercial spaces would lead the the rigorous application of the administrative sanctions in force “.

A total of 1552 new confirmed cases of Coronavirus (Covid-19), 656 recoveries and ten deaths have been reported over the last 24 hours in Algeria, the Ministry of Health said Thursday in a statement.

The total number of confirmed cases, thus, amounted to 230,470 cases, that of deaths to 6,453, while the number of cured patients has increased to 156,859.

In addition, 49 patients are currently in intensive care, added
the same source.

Noting that 10 wilayas have not recorded any cases during the last 24 hours, 14 others have recorded 1 to 9 cases, while 24 wilayas have recorded 10 cases and more.

The Ministry of Health recalled that the current epidemiological situation requires all citizens to be vigilant and abide by the rules of hygiene and physical distance, while insisting on respect for wearing a mask.

Following the rise in Covid-19 cases, Algeria has decided to close its schools for ten days. The classes will be suspended nationwide for the three education stages for a period of ten days as from Thursday because of the epidemiological situation caused by the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19), the Presidency of the Republic said Wednesday in a communiqué.

“The classes will be suspended for a period of 10 days for the three education stages (primary, intermediate and secondary) as from Thursday 20 January 2022,” according to the communiqué released following an extraordinary meeting chaired by President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in the presence of members of the scientific committee in charge of monitoring the evolution of Coronavirus pandemic.

It is worth mentioning that universities are not concerned with the suspension of studies. The statement stated: “With regard to the closure of universities, the decision is up to the officials of university institutions and centers, taking into account the examination schedule, and the possibility of reprogramming it for students.”

In a related context, the number of flights from and to Algeria could soon be reduced due to the rebound in Covid-19 contamination cases.

To this end, the President of the Republic stressed on the imperative to further strengthen the controls of travelers from abroad following the large number of infections recorded on certain flights to Algeria, according to the press release from the Presidency.

If necessary, further indicated the communiqué, the number of these flights could be reduced.

“(…) It was found that some flights to Algeria recorded a significant number of infections, hence the imperative of more rigorous control and the reduction, if necessary, of the number of these flights.” read the press release published on the Facebook page of the Presidency.

Currently, more than a hundred flights are operating each week by Air Algérie and other foreign airlines from several countries, heading to the airports of Algiers, Oran and Constantinen namely; France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Canada, the United Kingdom, Tunisia, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The communiqué concluded by emphasizing that vaccination remains the only way to achieve collective immunity, especially after it was found that 94% of deaths did not receive vaccination, stressing the need to respect all preventive measures, in all commercial places and public facilities, with the penalty of immediate closure.

In December, Algeria started requiring a vaccine passport to enter many public venues, seeking to boost the country’s inoculation rate.

The pass is also required for anyone entering or leaving Algeria, as well as for entering sports facilities, cinemas, theatres, museums, town halls and other sites such as hammams.

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