The Tunisian health ministry on Friday announced a slew of new coronavirus restrictions as the number of COVID-19 deaths spiked and hospitals were at 90 percent capacity, reported CGTN Africa.
The restrictions would be imposed in 28 of the country’s 250 administrative districts where the infection rates have increased in the last few days. The restrictions include a ban on sporting events and celebrations, closure of shops except those selling basic necessities, and residents would be urged to stay home, the ministry said.
The Tunisian health ministry spokesman Nissaf Ben Aleya said the North African country registered an average of 82 deaths daily in the past week, inching closer to a record of 89 deaths per day recorded in late April.
“The number of deaths has surpassed our estimations,” Ben Aleya told a news conference.
She added that there is also heavy pressure on hospitals, which are more than 90 percent full.
On Friday, the Tunisian government also announced that Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi has been infected with the coronavirus. Mechichi received a COVID-19 vaccine last month. He has reportedly canceled all of his meetings and will continue to work remotely.
Tunisia, with a population of almost 12 million, has officially recorded over 395,362 coronavirus cases and 14,406 deaths. Around 1.7 million people have received at least one vaccine dose, with the Tunisian government struggling to obtain more vaccine doses.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned the third wave of Covid-19 cases is spreading faster in Africa as the continent is facing a shortage of vaccines. South Africa, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are reporting the most number of coronavirus cases.
According to the WHO, 18 African nations have already exhausted nearly 80% of their supplies, while eight have completely run out of vaccines. Only 1% of the African population has been fully vaccinated so far.
