Algeria gradually reopens its mosques and places of relaxation such as cafes, restaurants, parks and beaches on Saturday. A welcome decision in a scorching heat and after five months of imprisonment because of the new coronavirus.
“The atmosphere at home was getting unbearable with the bored children, I couldn't take it anymore,” says Soraya, who went out very early Saturday morning with her neighbor Fatima and the children to spend the day at the beach. The security services are responsible for ensuring compliance with the wearing of a mask, mandatory in public since May 24, and instructions for distancing between bathers. Mounted police will roam the beaches this summer.
Places closed since March 19
Cafes and restaurants are also reopening this Saturday, at least for those who have not gone out of business after months of closure.
Algeria's largest mosques - which can accommodate more than 1,000 worshipers - have also reopened. The big Friday prayer will however remain prohibited until the health situation is completely under control and the faithful are required to wear masks. Cleaning and disinfection of places of worship took place this week with the participation of many volunteers. In some mosques the carpets have been removed, in others they have been covered with plastic. Each believer should bring his prayer rug with him.
Mosques - like parks, schools and universities, stadiums and village halls - had been completely closed since March 19.
1350 deaths linked to Covid-19 recorded
In total, nearly 37,700 cases of Covid-19 have been officially declared on Algerian soil since the census of the first case on February 25, according to the latest report from the Ministry of Health.
And more than 1,350 deaths have been recorded, making Algeria the third most bereaved country in Africa behind Egypt and South Africa.
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The government extended partial home confinement until August 31 in 29 of the 48 wilayas (prefectures) of the country. A curfew remains in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time. Containment has been lifted in the other 19 wilayas.