Algerian authorities have made the wearing of masks compulsory as part of new measures to contain Covid-19, in the run-up to the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday.
A statement from the Presidency published on Monday evening, after a meeting of the Scientific Committee to monitor the evolution of the pandemic, stated that the “wearing the mask is just as effective as sanitary confinement, hence the need to make it compulsory for all.”
Wearing masks was not mandatory in public spaces in Algeria until Monday evening.
In order to cope with the shortage of masks, Trade Minister Kamel Rezig said Monday that the state temporarily authorized the production of masks for the general public without the need to be recorded in the trade register, because of the “exceptional” health context.
These new measures will be in addition to those already taken during the health confinement, such as the introduction of curfews, the closure of schools and mosques, and the banning of all public gatherings.
