Five hundred and twenty one (521) new confirmed cases of Coronavirus (Covid-19), and 9 deaths have been recorded in the last 24 hours in Algeria, said, Friday, in Algiers, the spokesman of the Scientific Committee for the follow-up of the evolution of the Coronavirus pandemic, Dr Djamel Fourar.
Algeria said on Saturday it will further ease its coronavirus lockdown, including shortening an overnight curfew and lifting some travel curbs.
In addition, large mosques will be allowed to reopen, along with beaches, entertainment venues, hotels, restaurants and cafes.
The new measures include lifting a travel ban on 29 provinces from August 9 until the end of the month. During that period, a curfew will be shortened and will run from 11 pm to 6 am, the government said.
Mosques with a capacity of more than 1,000 worshipers can reopen from August 15, though Friday prayers, which attract larger numbers of people, will remain banned throughout the country.
The use of air conditioners in mosques also remain banned, as does a prohibition of access for women, vulnerable people and children under 15 years.
The government will also allow the reopening of beaches and entertainment venues, as well as restaurants, cafes and hotels from next Saturday.
It said social distancing and protection masks would be compulsory, and warned any violation of preventive measures against the novel coronavirus would prompt it to reimpose more restrictions.
Algeria resumed some economic activity in June, mainly in the construction and public works sectors, and allowed the reopening of some businesses.
It lifted a curfew and travel restrictions for its remaining 19 provinces in July.
bna.bh
