Algeria has eased coronavirus lockdown restrictions including lifting some travel curbs, shortening an overnight curfew, and allowing large mosques to reopen, Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad said in a statement on Saturday, reported Reuters.
The government has announced lifting a travel ban on 29 provinces starting Sunday until the end of the month. During this period, the curfew timing has also been shortened. It will now run from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. from the current 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
In addition, large mosques will now be allowed to reopen. Mosques with a capacity of over 1,000 worshipers will 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 still remains prohibited as does a prohibition of access for women, vulnerable people and children under 15 years.
Beaches and entertainment venues, as well as restaurants, cafes and hotels will reopen from next Saturday.
Prime Minister Djerad said the governors of each province are free to take all the measures required to combat the COVID-19.
The statement noted that the use of protection masks and maintaining social distancing would be compulsory, and warned any violation of preventive measures against the novel coronavirus would prompt it to re-impose more restrictions in the future.
Algeria on Saturday reported 538 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number in the North African country to 33,693 including 1,293 deaths.
In June, the government resumed some economic activity, 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.
The International Monetary Fund forecasts Algeria’s economy will shrink by 5.2 percent this year, and it will have among the highest budget deficits in the region.
