Algerian president says to pay close attention to COVID-19 after lifting lockdown

ALGIERS - Close attention will be paid to the development of COVID-19 after lockdown measures are lifted from Sunday, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Sunday.

The government will take anti-epidemic measures at any time necessary and strengthen the supply of medical protective equipment to meet the needs of people, Tebboune said during a ministerial meeting.

In a statement on Saturday, the government announced the decision to resume bus, tram and taxi services in cities and allow businesses such as clothing and shoe stores, barber shops and restaurants to open to the public from Sunday.

Earlier Sunday, Algerian health authorities announced 109 new COVID-19 cases and seven new fatalities over the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections to 10,919 and the death toll to 767 in the country.