Tunisia begins week of strict COVID lockdown

More than 500 people are currently in intensive care in Tunisia, a level previously unseen in the North African country.

Tunisia on Sunday started a week of coronavirus restrictions covering the Eid holiday, as hospitals battle to stay afloat amid soaring COVID-19 cases. Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi said on Friday that Tunisia was going through “the worst health crisis in its history” and that health facilities were at risk of collapse. Until next Sunday, mosques, markets and non-essential shops must close, gatherings and family or cultural celebrations are banned, and people are forbidden from travelling between regions.