- Title: Tunisian lockdown begins as coronavirus cases rise to 75
- Date: 22nd March 2020
- Summary: TUNIS, TUNISIA (MARCH 21, 2020) (REUTERS) PEOPLE OUTSIDE STATION WAITING TO RETURN HOME AFTER GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES LIMITED LOCKDOWN SIGN READING (Arabic): "TUNISIAN NORTH TRANSPORT STATION" VARIOUS OF PEOPLE WEARING MASKS IN STATION VARIOUS OF PEOPLE WAITING FOR TRANSPORT OUTSIDE STATION
- Embargoed: 5th April 2020 17:02
- Keywords: COVID-19 Coronavirus Lockdown President Kais Said Tunis Tunisia
- Location: TUNIS, TUNISIA
- City: TUNIS, TUNISIA
- Country: Tunisia
- Topics: Health/Medicine
- Reuters ID: LVA003C64V1AF
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Only a few people were seen on the streets of Tunis on Sunday (March 22) as a lockdown began across the country to try curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Tunisia's President Kais Saied on Friday (March 20) ordered a general lockdown, limiting citizens' free movement.
The government later said in a statement the lockdown would come into force on Sunday and last until April 4.
The North African country, which has already shut down cafes, restaurants and mosques, has so far reported three deaths.
The Health Ministry said on Sunday that there were 15 new confirmed coronavirus cases, bringing the total number in the country to 75.
On Saturday (March 21) Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh said 2.5 billion dinars ($850 million) would be allocated to combat the economic and social effects of the coronavirus health crisis.
Among new measures, the government will delay tax debts, postpone taxes on small and medium-sized businesses, delay repayment of low-income employee loans and provide financial assistance to poor families.
(Production: Jihed Abidelloui, Seham Eloraby) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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