What's the government response timeline for Tunisia?

The first confirmed case of coronavirus in Tunisia is a 40-year-old man from Gafsa who contracted the virus in Italy. Source: https://www.tap.info.tn/en/Portal-Regions/12418458-gafsa-covid-19

Activation of the (permanent) National Committee to monitor the spread of the coronavirus. Closely monitor the epidemiological situation. The preparation of a health guide to treat suspected cases and the preparation of necessary laboratory tests. Provide thermal imaging cameras at the main entrances to airports and ports to check the temperature of travelers who come to complain of fever and send suspicious cases to isolation units at airports to take care of them. Source: https://covid-19.tn/fr/mesures-preventives/

4th March: The international sports competitions will occur without supporters. Call to avoid mass demonstrations, including cultural events, as much as possible. https://covid-19.tn/fr/mesures-preventives/

4th March Transfer of all flights from Italy to Terminal 2 to ensure that passengers from this country do not mix with others. Source: https://covid-19.tn/fr/mesures-preventives/

4th March calls at airports to ‘Intensify information and awareness campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of self-quarantine for arrivals from affected countries in order to ensure that everyone is included in the national plan to fight the new virus Corona’ https://covid-19.tn/fr/mesures-preventives/

9th March: Advance the spring break to Thursday March 12 for all levels of education. Students will not return to school on Monday 9th March after spring break. Source: https://covid-19.tn/fr/mesures-preventives/

9th March Suspend maritime travel between Tunisia and Italy. Maintain only one flight per week from Marseille instead of two. Suspend all flights between Tunisia and Italy except for the Tunis-Rome line, with a reduction in the number of weekly flights from only 14 to 3. Remind that citizens must respect quarantine and that the violation of the quarantine decision is punishable under the law https://covid-19.tn/fr/mesures-preventives/

13th March: All public and private kindergartens, private and foreign schools closed until March 28. Source: https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-tunisian-authorities-announce-additional-measures

13th March: Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh announced on March 13 that the country suspended prayers in mosques, closed cafes at 4 p.m. every day, and banned all cultural, sports and economic gatherings to combat the spread of the virus Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/tunisia-to-reopen-mosques-cafes-after-nearly-3-months/1849404

16th March: The ban on gatherings like markets, moorish baths and parties, as well as the closing of spaces to be fixed by local authorities. The head of government also announced the postponement of all sporting events and championships starting today. https://covid-19.tn/fr/mesures-preventives/

16th March - Tunisia suspends all international flights, closes land borders: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/coronavirus-tunisia-close-borders-combat-virus-spread https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/coronavirus-tunisia-suspends-all-international-flights-closes-land-borders-1.1584395810643

18th March Curtailed work hours for government employees to five hours daily in two shifts starting March 18. https://covid-19.tn/fr/mesures-preventives/

Dedicated Public Health information Website gives out general advice for the public. https://covid-19.tn/blog/%d9%81%d9%8a%d8%b1%d9%88%d8%b3-%d9%83%d9%88%d8%b1%d9%88%d9%86%d8%a7-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%ac%d8%af%d9%8a%d8%af-%d9%86%d8%b5%d8%a7%d8%a6%d8%ad-%d8%b9%d8%a7%d9%85%d8%a9/

There is no exact number, but assuming from the stay at home order, it could be less than 10. The president also urged everyone to stay at home during the day, and only go out in cases of "extreme necessity". https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/coronavirus-tunisia-announces-lockdown-people-urged-stay-indoors

20th March The president urged everyone to stay at home during the day, and only go out in cases of "extreme necessity". Source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/coronavirus-tunisia-announces-lockdown-people-urged-stay-indoors

20th March In a televised address, Saied announced new restrictions on public movement, saying city-to-city travel had been banned https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/coronavirus-tunisia-announces-lockdown-people-urged-stay-indoors

A 2.5 billion TND emergency plan ($0.71 billion or 1.8 percent of GDP) was announced on March 21. From the social side, this also includes cash transfers for low income households, disabled and homeless people (450 TND million for three months). The plan also includes a support for those who will be on temporary unemployment because of the COVID19 shock (300 TND million). Sources: https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19 https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/tunisia-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html

A 2.5 billion TND emergency plan ($0.71 billion or 1.8 percent of GDP) was announced on March 21. The package includes the postponement of CIT payments, other taxes and social contributions, VAT exemptions, VAT refund procedures and reimbursement acceleration, rescheduling taxes and custom arrears, and others in order to provide liquidity to the private sector, limiting layoffs and protecting the most vulnerable population especially in the informal sector. Sources: https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19 https://www.tunisienumerique.com/tunisie-les-pme-les-oubliees-des-mesures-gouvernementales-de-la-crise-du-coronavirus/

22nd March general confinement from 22nd March to 04 April. Workers who will be defined, whether in the public or private sector, are exempt from this measure. For the public sector, public service will be pursued in the vital areas, namely, agrifood, health, administration, justice, energy, security, transport, communications, media, cleanliness and essential industrial activities. Professional activities in the private sector in the same fields are also affected by this exception. Source: https://covid-19.tn/fr/mesures-preventives/

22nd March The state of emergency declared. All gatherings banned. Total containment means that citizens can only leave their homes in the event of an essential race or for a need such as the purchase of medicines or foodstuffs. Source: 1 https://covid-19.tn/fr/mesures-preventives/ Source 2: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/325256/tunisia-government-orders-general-lockdown-march-22-update-5

22nd March- All non-essential movement was banned during the lockdown (S1). Source 2 says that following lockdown and travel only allowed for essential journeys, “TRANSTU bus company reduced the service of metros and buses to every 30 to 45 minutes” and that public transport workers were counted as essential workers and were allowed to continue working. Source 1: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/325256/tunisia-government-orders-general-lockdown-march-22-update-5 Source 2: https://www.transformative-mobility.org/news/the-covid-19-outbreak-and-implications-to-public-transport-some-observations

22nd March The state of emergency declared. Total containment means that citizens can only leave their homes for essentials such as the purchase of medicines or foodstuffs. Source: 1 https://covid-19.tn/fr/mesures-preventives/ Source 2: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/325256/tunisia-government-orders-general-lockdown-march-22-update-5

7 new laboratories open to conduct COVID tests. Until March 26 there was only one in Tunis. Source: https://www.realites.com.tn/2020/03/covid-19-en-tunisie-sept-laboratoires-pour-effectuer-les-tests-de-depistage/

31st March Tunisia will extend a lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus by two weeks to April 19, the presidency said in a statement on Tuesday. Tunisia has imposed a general lockdown for over a week, preventing people from leaving their homes except to buy necessities or work in certain jobs. Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/tunisia-extends-lockdown-weeks-releases-prisoners-200331194042414.html

19 April The Tunisian government extends nationwide period of general confinement until May 3rd. Source: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-04/20/c_138990813.htm

19 April The Tunisian government extends nationwide period of general confinement and measures until May 3rd. Source: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-04/20/c_138990813.htm

19 April The Tunisian government extends nationwide period of general confinement and measures until May 3rd. Source: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-04/20/c_138990813.htm

4th May Starting to ease lockdown measures - "Under the relaxed measures, parts of the food and construction sector can resume operations, while half of government employees will be allowed to return to work." https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/337711/tunisia-lockdown-measures-to-ease-from-may-4-update-8

Easing of lockdown measures - but no indication that this permits gatherings of people. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/337711/tunisia-lockdown-measures-to-ease-from-may-4-update-8

May 4th Since the easing of restrictions on 4 May 2020, authorities have resumed transportation within the governorates, given that passengers obtain a license to move around and wear protective masks to avoid the reemergence of the coronavirus. Source: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/337711/tunisia-lockdown-measures-to-ease-from-may-4-update-8 Source: https://english.aawsat.com//home/article/2268336/tunisia-gradually-eases-coronavirus-restrictions-signs-life-return

Starting to ease lockdown measures, but still during Ramadan "individuals are only allowed to leave their homes outside of the curfew hours for essential activities such as grocery shopping or to seek medical attention. " https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/337711/tunisia-lockdown-measures-to-ease-from-may-4-update-8

"Authorities have also prohibited travel between cities and regions." https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/337711/tunisia-lockdown-measures-to-ease-from-may-4-update-8

It has not been mass testing - officials explained their strategy focused on tracing, testing and isolating contacts of a positive case, and wider members of the same community if they test positive. ave/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cwlw3xz0lmvt/tunisia?fbclid=IwAR1vbqzgtm9NgBGFvsfHtjn3D2BPvWtmxgb1S-s_5018IvRCM48x_xlIec8 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cwlw3xz0lmvt/tunisia?fbclid=IwAR1vbqzgtm9NgBGFvsfHtjn3D2BPvWtmxgb1S-s_5018IvRCM48x_xlIec8

11th May: Shopping centres, clothing shops and hairdressers will open on Monday. Source: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-tunisia/tunisia-reports-no-new-coronavirus-cases-for-first-time-since-early-march-idUKKBN22N03Z

11th May It has not been mass testing - officials explained their strategy focused on tracing, testing and isolating contacts of a positive case, and wider members of the same community if they test positive. https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cwlw3xz0lmvt/tunisia

"With infections slowing, retail stores, open-air markets and supermarkets have reopened, but authorities are urging citizens to stay vigilant and respect hygiene measures." https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/tunisia-eases-lockdown-as-zero-coronavirus-cases-registered-in-five-days-20200516

Contact Tracing App (national) https://middle-east-online.com/en/tunisia-launches-contact-tracing-mobile-phone-app

27th May- BBC says large public events are still banned. Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cwlw3xz0lmvt/tunisia

28th May Students in the final year of high school will resume classes on Thursday, May 28 Source 1: https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/337711/tunisia-lockdown-measures-to-ease-from-may-4-update-8 Source 2: https://tn.usembassy.gov/message-to-u-s-citizens-05152020-2/

As of June 4th, travel within the country is allowed. http://www.pm.gov.tn/pm/actualites/actualite.php?lang=en&id=12419

As of June 8th, some levels, including Universities, are reopening. https://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/tunisia-president-lifts-covid-19-restrictions-and-lockdown/

Although a "0" may be too generous, a "1" would be inappropriate, since, as of Monday June 8th the lockdown has largely been lifted. 100 percent capacity restored in public administrations and in th other sectors of activity, according to Tunisian minister in charge of major national projects Lobna Jribi. Press news: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/tunisia-orders-lifting-coronavirus-lockdown-200608162437503.html

On June 8, 2020, the Tunisian president, Kais Saied, issued an order completely lifting COVID-19 restrictions and the nationwide curfew. An 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew had initially been implemented in March 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19 disease. (Source 1, 2). This concludes the three phase plan to reopen the country. Under phase 3, which began a few days earlier, all shops, restaurants, hotels, public administrations and worship places reopened their doors. Under the government's decision, party halls also reopened with 50 percent capacity for the enclosed spaces, and the open spaces can operate at full capacity with hygiene measures. (Source 3) Source 1: http://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/tunisia-president-lifts-covid-19-restrictions-and-lockdown/#:~:text=(June%252015%252C%25202020)%2520On,spread%2520of%2520COVID%252D19%2520disease. Source 2: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/tunisia-orders-lifting-coronavirus-lockdown-200608162437503.html Source 3: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-06/05/c_139114808.htm

*Note there is no mention of specific gathering sizes, but I think it fair to interpret the reopening of malls and places of worship and general lifting of measures as "no restrictions" on gathering sizes* On June 8, 2020, the Tunisian president, Kais Saied, issued an order completely lifting COVID-19 restrictions and the nationwide curfew. An 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew had initially been implemented in March 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19 disease. (Sources 1, 2) This concludes the three phase plan to reopen the country. Under phase 3, which began a few days earlier, all shops, restaurants, hotels, public administrations and worship places reopened their doors.Under the government's decision, party halls also reopened with 50 percent capacity for the enclosed spaces, and the open spaces can operate at full capacity with hygiene measures. (Source 3) Source 1: http://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/tunisia-president-lifts-covid-19-restrictions-and-lockdown/#:~:text=(June%252015%252C%25202020)%2520On,spread%2520of%2520COVID%252D19%2520disease. Source 2: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/tunisia-orders-lifting-coronavirus-lockdown-200608162437503.html Source 3: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-06/05/c_139114808.htm

On June 8, 2020, the Tunisian president, Kais Saied, issued an order completely lifting COVID-19 restrictions and the nationwide curfew. An 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew had initially been implemented in March 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19 disease. (Sources 1, 2) According to the Tunisian minister in charge of major national projects Lobna Jribi, travel between all Tunisian governorates resumed without authorization.(Source 3) Source 1: http://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/tunisia-president-lifts-covid-19-restrictions-and-lockdown/#:~:text=(June%252015%252C%25202020)%2520On,spread%2520of%2520COVID%252D19%2520disease. Source 2: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/tunisia-orders-lifting-coronavirus-lockdown-200608162437503.html Source 3: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-06/05/c_139114808.htm

On June 8, 2020, the Tunisian president, Kais Saied, issued an order completely lifting COVID-19 restrictions and the nationwide curfew. An 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew had initially been implemented in March 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19 disease. (Source 1, 2) All shops, restaurants, hotels, public administrations and worship places reopened their doors. Under the government's decision, party halls also reopened with 50 percent capacity for the enclosed spaces, and the open spaces can operate at full capacity with hygiene measures. (Source 3) Source 1: http://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/tunisia-president-lifts-covid-19-restrictions-and-lockdown/#:~:text=(June%252015%252C%25202020)%2520On,spread%2520of%2520COVID%252D19%2520disease. Source 2: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/tunisia-orders-lifting-coronavirus-lockdown-200608162437503.html Source 3: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-06/05/c_139114808.htm

Ban on some regions. https://covid-19.tn/fr/blog/classification-des-pays-en-fonction-du-niveau-de-risque/ https://www.france24.com/fr/20200627-covid-19-la-tunisie-rouvre-ses-fronti%C3%A8res

No changes found, university levels still open.

No changes in border controls.

"Tunisia will strengthen health control in ports, airports and land borders to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic across the country, a senior health official announced Tuesday." http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-07/22/c_139230367.htm

"Cafes, restaurants, bars and places of worship are permitted to operate at 70% of normal capacity." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tunisia/coronavirus

"Cultural and artistic events can only be held in open air spaces at 70% of normal capacity." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tunisia/coronavirus

"Cultural and artistic events can only be held in open air spaces at 70% of normal capacity." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tunisia/coronavirus

"The Tunisian government announced on Monday new measures for arrivals from abroad in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the country. "These measures include the obligation to place all members of the same family coming from countries not classified on the 'green' or 'orange' list, including children under 12, in mandatory isolation," said a statement released by the government. Those from a country on the "orange" list and those who did not carry out a lab test for COVID-19 will be held in quarantine for at least three days, until the health ministry carries out the their lab tests, according to the statement." http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-07/28/c_139244692.htm

Tunisian officials deny the possibility of closing borders again, despite the increase in cases since borders have opened. https://africa.cgtn.com/2020/08/05/tunisian-official-denies-re-closing-borders-amid-increasing-covid-19-cases/

Quarantine if a PCR test is available, else a ban. Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tunisia