COVID-19: Algeria reopens step-by-step mosques, beaches…

Algeria decided Monday to gradually re-open mosques, beaches and gardens, closed since mid-March owing to covid-19 pandemic.

The decision concerns only mosques capable of accommodating more than 1,000 worshippers who are also compelled to wear masks and observe social distancing.

The country’s beaches and parks will now be accessible provided that citizens abide by the strict health measures imposed to prevent contaminations.

The decision comes as the North African country witnesses a decrease in contaminations over six days in a row. The country on Monday posted 31,972 contaminations since February when the first case was reported.

Algeria since March has closed its borders as part of efforts to stem contaminations. It also banned weddings, public prayers, sports events as part of the lockdown measure.

The measure has been relaxed but last month the government re-imposed a partial lockdown in 29 governorates identified as hot spots of the respiratory disease.