With our correspondent in Algiers, Leïla Beratto

After Italy, Morocco, and Spain, it is now planes arriving from and departing to France that will remain grounded starting Tuesday. The measure, taken in consultation with French authorities according to a statement, also concerns ships. Authorities announced that a mechanism to repatriate Algerians who are currently abroad would be put in place in parallel.

This is an important measure that will have an impact in both countries because Algeria is the second African destination for planes departing from France. This represented more than 4 million travelers last year annually.

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This measure comes as a fourth death was announced this morning. There are currently 48 people in Algeria who have tested positive for coronavirus. But all these confirmed cases are linked to travelers who arrived from Europe. Other measures are being announced. Starting tomorrow, all sporting events are also cancelled for three weeks. And a note from the Ministry of Commerce asks regional authorities to close nightclubs, restaurants, event halls, hammams or gaming rooms until April 5.