Tunisian authorities announced on Wednesday the suspension of shipping links between Tunis and northern Italy to limit the spread of the new coronavirus epidemic in Tunisia, where only one case has been recorded to date.
Read also: Coronavirus: Africa, a continent that seems strangely spared
In front of the press, the Minister of Health Abdelatif Mekki did not specify the duration of this precautionary measure concerning Italy, the third most affected country in the world after China and South Korea and where a large Tunisian diaspora lives . In a statement, the presidency of the Tunisian government confirmed the " suspension of maritime links from northern Italy ". To avoid contacts between people residing in different countries, international football matches will be played in the presence of the local public and opposing supporters who are already in Tunisia. A quarter-final return from the African Cup must notably oppose Friday evening Esperance Sportif Tunis to Zamalek in Cairo. The Tunisian minister finally called to postpone the cultural events.
According to a report by the Tunisian Ministry of Health, about 1,000 people are currently being monitored remotely, and 600 others have completed their follow-up period. Only one case has been confirmed: a Tunisian working in Italy, from which he returned on February 27 by boat. Some 250 passengers and 80 crew members were on board this boat. The authorities asked them to isolate themselves at home and to alert the emergency services in the event of symptoms.
Since confirmation of the first case in Tunisia on Monday, authorities have stepped up preventive measures to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, which has killed more than 3,200 people, according to a report by AFP on Wednesday. In Africa, in addition to Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco and neighboring Algeria as well as Nigeria and Senegal have reported cases of Covid-19 infection.
Read also: LIVE - Coronavirus: more than 100 dead in Italy, schools and universities closed
