These relief measures are in addition to others in place since last Monday, such as the reopening of large mosques, beaches, entertainment venues

Algeria eases curfew despite rising curve

photo_camera AFP/ RYAD KRAMDI - Great Mosque of Algiers, also known as Djamaa el Djazair, in Algiers

The Algerian Government ordered the easing of curfews and the lifting of some restrictions on movement in 29 of the country's provinces, including the capital, despite the daily increase in contagion from COVID-19.

In a statement, the Prime Minister's office explained that starting this Sunday, the first working day of the week in Algeria, the curfew will be in force from 23.00 local time (22.00 GMT) and will end at 6.00 (5.00 GMT) until the end of this month, three hours later and one hour earlier, respectively.

The government also announced that the ban on traffic between provinces will be lifted until the 31st, although it maintains a ban on the movement of buses. These relief measures are added to others in force since last Monday, such as the reopening of large mosques, beaches, entertainment venues, hotels, restaurants and cafes.

Mosques with a capacity of more than 1,000 can reopen from 15 August for all prayers except the Fajr (early morning) and the Friday community prayer, which attract more people.

The North African country has recorded more than 33,000 cases of coronavirus infection and 1,293 deaths, according to new official figures released Saturday by the spokesman for the Scientific Committee for the Monitoring of Pandemic Developments, Djamel Fourar.

The use of air conditioners in mosques also remains banned, as does the ban on access for women, vulnerable people and children under 15.

Protective masks and social distancing of at least one meter are mandatory as well as the use of personal prayer mats and warned that any violation of preventive measures against the coronavirus will be punished.

More in Society