Tunisia-Daily Digest for April 9

COVID-19 updates in Tunisia:

Infections are continuing to soar in Tunisia as Health authorities documented 1833 new cases and 49 deaths, bringing the death and infection tally to 9136 and 266,827  respectively.

The pressure also continues to rise on ICU units similar to ICU units that reached maximum capacity in Zaghouan according to the Regional Director of Health, Souhail Bali, he told the TAP that 36 cases are currently being treated in COVID units, including 9 patients residing in the intensive care unit.

On the level of vaccines, the health ministry granted the green light to Johnson & Johnson vaccine.1.5 million doses will be obtained to speed up the national vaccination campaign.

On his part, prime minister Hichem Mechichi affirmed that sanitary measures could be eased during the second half of the month, specifying that this is reliant on the improvement of the epidemiological situation.

The imposed measures which include a curfew at 7: 00 pm was meet by a severe clash, The Regional Union of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA) of Sousse warned of civil disobedience as a response. The union additionally felt that this decision is a setback to owners of cafes and restaurants.

The Head of UTICA in Sousse Ali Ben Yahya denounced the preventive measures adopted by the government.He sensed that the decision to shut down the cafes during this period signifies a true threat to managers and that it does not take into record their economic and social situation

On its part, Tahya Tounes executive office held this evening, April 08, 2021, a meeting under the direction of the party head, regarding the general situation of the country and political developments. The party communicated its concern about the lack of rigour in the implementation of the decisions of the National Authority for the Fight against the Coronavirus and the absence of economic measures to preserve and support the institutions and sectors most impacted.

President Kais Saied to visit Egypt

At the invitation of Egyptian president Abdelfattah al Sisi, the President of the Republic, Kais Saïed will be on a three-day visit to Egypt from April 9 to 11, 2021.

Tunisia received a $3 million (8.2 million dinars) US donation of two field hospitals with a capacity of 30 beds each.