Tunisia Distributes Masks ahead of Easing Restrictions on Monday

Business

May 3rd, 7:41am

Tunis - Asharq Al-Awsat

A woman wearing a mask buys pineapple from a fruit vendor in Tunis on March 17, 2020. (AP)

The mayor of Tunis announced on Saturday the free distribution of thousands of face masks to citizens ahead of lifting the quarantine in the capital starting Monday. Souad Abderrahim said: “We have already distributed 10,000 face masks in the local markets. This is part of a campaign to enourage citizens to wear the masks to be protected and also to protect others.” The campaign is being held in cooperation with civil society organizations and the Tunisian Red Crescent, reported the German news agency (dpa). “We will return to normal life. However, we should respect a new behavior,” she said. Tunisian authorities had decided to gradually ease the general health lockdown, which was imposed as a preventive measure against coronavirus. On Monday, the country will witness the reopening of health, nutrition, services and artisans businesses. On Saturday, the Health Ministry said 11 new cases of infection with COVID-19 were recorded, bringing the overall cases to 1,009. The Ministry said 323 patients have recovered, 644 are still carrying the virus and are still under observation and 42 have died. It said 25 patients are currently in intensive care and 59 others are hospitalized.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2265081/tunisia-distributes-masks-ahead-easing-restrictions-monday