Algeria announces renewal of partial lockdown in 29 provinces to prevent COVID-19 spread

ALGIERS - The Algerian government announced on Sunday to renew the partial lockdown measures for 15 days in 29 provinces to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the official APS news agency reported.

Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad said the decision to renew lockdown measures was made after consultation with the Scientific Committee monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and the health authorities.

The measures, which will come into effect from July 28, include the curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. and the ban on road traffic from and to the 29 provinces in the country.

Djerad called on citizens to respect all the hygiene measures and barrier gestures recommended under the health protocols with strict solidarity and discipline, such as the compulsory wearing of masks and physical distancing.

On Feb. 25, Algeria recorded its first infection with COVID-19.

China and Algeria have offered mutual help in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In early February, Algeria sent medical donation to help China combat the coronavirus. In return, China has sent two batches of medical aid to Algeria on March 27 and April 15, respectively.

A Chinese medical expert team arrived in Algeria on May 14 for a 15-day mission to help fight the coronavirus, through sharing China's experience in curbing the spread of the contagious disease.