Algeria shuts schools for 10 days amid COVID surge

Algiers: Algeria has directed all elementary and high schools to be closed for 10 days amid surging COVID-19 infections in the North African country, starting Thursday (today). 

The decision, taken by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to cancel classes, came after an emergency meeting Wednesday of the Council of Ministers, members of the COVID-19 scientific committee and the country's security officials. 

As per an official statement, university staff and health authorities have been instructed to decide themselves whether to continue with in-person classes.

The country is battling infections from both the delta variant and highly contagious omicron variant. 

On Wednesday, heath officials reported a daily record of 1,359 omicron cases and 12 deaths. 

In 2021, Algeria started requiring a vaccine pass to enter many public venues, in a bid to overcome public’s vaccine hesitancy that has left millions of dosses unused. 

The vaccine passport is also required for anyone entering or leaving Algeria, as well as for entering various sites including sports facilities, cinemas, theaters, museums and town halls.

In the meantime, Hong Kong will also suspend face-to-face teaching in secondary schools from Monday because of a rising number of coronavirus infections in several schools in the Chinese-ruled territory.

The government, however, halted classes in primary schools and kindergartens early this month, and imposed curbs, such as a ban on restaurant dining after 6 pm and the closure of venues such as gyms, cinemas and beauty salons.