The Algerian gendarmerie announced it will close all roads leading to the capital, Algiers, and Boumerdes province as of Sunday evening to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
The gendarmerie did not provide further details on the decision, which came as a surprise.
Some have suggested that the decision was prompted by livestock traders arriving in Algiers from other states ahead of Eid al-Adha.
Although authorities have banned swimming in Boumerdes, it witnessed a large flow of tourists to its beaches.
Meanwhile, Algerian activists launched an online campaign titled “I want to be part of the solution”, in an attempt to raise awareness on the importance of adhering to precautionary measures to help limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Hundreds of social media users posted on their accounts a text pledging to wear masks in public places and maintain a one-meter distance.
They said that the campaign was launched because many people are not taking the pandemic seriously and are not abiding by the government’s precautionary measures.
A group of community figures, such as athletes, artists, intellectuals and journalists also joined the campaign.
State-owned media, along with private satellite channels, held the public responsible for the spread of the virus.
They stressed that any person who violates the government’s measures should be penalized.
The media also praised the government's efforts, saying it is doing its utmost to eradicate the coronavirus while the general public is not helping. They lauded the initiatives launched to control the pandemic, despite turning a blind eye to the authorities’ shortcomings such as limited hospital beds and late deliveries in test results.
Algeria’s Health Ministry said in a statement Sunday that 10 more people have died from COVID-19, bringing the country’s tally to over 1,100.
