Algeria scraps quarantine rule despite Covid surge

The Algerian authorities have scrapped the quarantine period for people arriving in the country despite a surge in coronavirus infections.

All arrivals are now only required to present a negative PCR test taken in the last 36 hours, and take a new one on arrival.

Since 1 June all those arriving to Algeria were being requested to self-isolate for five days in a hotel, which they would have to pay for.

Many Algerians returning to the country from abroad were angered by the measures and criticised the services offered at some of the hotels designated for quarantine.

The new measures are designed to ease the return of thousands of Algerians stranded abroad.

The North African nation is facing a new record of coronavirus infections with 1,505 positive cases in the last 24 hours.

The authorities have toughened the restrictions in the country with partial lockdowns in provinces most hit by infections including the capital, Algiers.

BBC