Algeria records sharp increase in coronavirus infections and reconsiders opening

In the last two days, Algeria has suffered a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 infections and is therefore reconsidering the reopening of its land, sea and air borders, which is scheduled for 1 July. According to official statistics, health authorities on Saturday certified 283 new cases of coronavirus, the highest daily figure since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country. 

This spike in infections brings the number of confirmed cases to 12,968 and is the result, according to local epidemiologists, "of a relaxation of prevention and containment measures. In the last 24 hours, seven deaths and 136 recoveries have been recorded, bringing the number of deaths to 892 and the number of recoveries to 9,202, the head of COVID-19's Detection and Monitoring Commission, Djamel Foutar, said at a press conference.

President Abdelmejid Tebboun warned that the regime might reconsider reopening the borders, which have been closed for more than three and a half months. Tebboun suggested that the government is inclined to maintain restrictions on flights and entry into the country despite the fact that this would be a blow to the summer season. Pressed by the serious economic, political and social crisis it is experiencing, Algeria relaxed health measures and on 7 June authorised the reopening of some companies as part of a flexible and progressive return to normal.

On 14 June, it took a further step towards deconfinement with a limited reopening of urban transport, although it maintained the curfew imposed until 29 June in 29 of the 48 provinces, including the capital. The quarantine was completely lifted, however, in 19 other states with the obligation to wear masks as of June 24 and significant fines for those who violate the rule.