Tunisia-Nissaf Ben Alaya: COVID-19 death tally hits 389

As of October 6, the Death tally from COVID-19 in Tunisia has increased to 389, said spokeswoman for the Health Ministry Nissaf Ben Alaya.

Speaking at a press conference, Ben Alaya declared that that 25 new losses had been reported in 24 hours (between October 5 and 6).

The number of hospitalised patients has further increased to 472, versus 452 on October 5, 122 of whom are in ICU and 50 under ventilators, she added, evoking that out of more than 256,000 tests conducted since February, 24,542 have been positive.

“Out of the overall number of confirmed cases, only 5% are under 14 years old and no deaths have been recorded among children,” she specified.

Ben Alaya told the percentage rate is currently at 156 per 100,000 inhabitants, emphasising that the virus is spreading rapidly throughout the country at the moment.

During the last 14 days, the overall incidence rate in the country reached 72.9 per 100,000 inhabitants.*

In 14 governorates this same rate is higher 50 per 100 thousand inhabitants, in 27 delegations it is above 100 per 100 thousand and the general rate since the reopening of borders on June 27th is above 250 per 100 thousand inhabitants hence their classification as hot spots.

According to Ben Alaya, there has been a small improvement in the enforcement of preventive measures and health protocols, but a more rigorous implementation of all provisions is needed, especially in hot spots.

In this regard, she reiterated a call to all citizens to wear masks and adopt barrier gestures to avoid infection and health complications.