Tunisia targeted lockdown measures are proving effective

Tunisia Security Update

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UPDATE:  Tunisia targeted lockdown measures are proving effective as it marked 3 consective days without any new confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Source: NFA, May 12, 2020

Employees at a Tunisian factory are churning out 50,000 face masks a day and other protective medical gear.

Key INSIGHT:  Director General of the National Observatory of New and Emerging Diseases Nissaf Ben Alaya said:

“It would take at least 40 days without any new infection to be able to say that Tunisia has gone beyond this phase, due to the fact that the zero case does not mean that the virus no longer exists.”

Security INSIGHT: Tunisia has started to ease lockdown measures, pointing to the relative success of the restrictions it imposed early on in the pandemic.  although schools will largely remain closed until September. Hairdressers officially opened on Monday, while cafes and mosques are due to reopen on 24 May.

Tunisia Receives Drones from China to aid COVID-19 fight

Tunisia’s nationwide lockdown began March 22, when it had just 75 confirmed cases. The UK, by contrast, did not impose a national lockdown until it had over 6,000 cases, while Italy did not go ahead with the measure until it recorded more than 9,000. Tunisia also took the early step of quarantining patients with mild symptoms in designated facilities such as hotels rather than allowing them to isolate at home as in Italy — a policy that doctors now say was a fatal flaw.

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Travel:  At the time of this writing, both the U.S. and UK embassies advises against all but essential international travel. 

Authorities strictly enforced lockdown measures in high-risk areas, patrolling the streets and even arresting those in violation of quarantine and social distancing regulations.

Civil society groups and private businesses also played an important role in helping fight the virus. Some 150 Tunisian employees of a factory helped make face masks more accessible by self-isolating at their facility in order to produce 50,000 per day. Meanwhile, numerous start-ups and civil society groups mobilized to develop and provide innovative medical protective gear to hospitals and deliver aid packages to those in need.

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Traveling family ‘stuck’ on a Mediterranean island due to Covid-19

Tunisia Security Update

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UPDATE: As the novel coronavirus stops globetrotters and other adventure travelers in their tracks, one French family of nomads is waiting out the lockdown on a Tunisian island in the Mediterranean.

Source: AFP, May 8th 2020

Key Article INSIGHT:  Tunisia has officially declared over 600 positive Covid-19 cases, including 25 deaths, since reporting its first case at the beginning of March.

Tunisia has officially declared over 600 positive Covid-19 cases, including 25 deaths, since reporting its first case at the beginning of March.

Security INSIGHT: Tunisia started the first stage of the national strategy for a partial lifting of lockdown which includes three phases: from May 4 to 24, from May 24 to June 4, and from June 4 to 14.

Travel:  At the time of this writing, both the U.S. and UK embassies advises against all but essential international travel.

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Tunisia RE-OPENS …May the 4th be with them!

Tunisia Security Update

Your #1 Source for Travel & Security News IMPACTING Tunisia.

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UPDATE: Tunisia on Monday relaxed lockdown measures with an initial phase of gradual reopening for the vital sectors of the economy, society and exports.

Source: AAWSAT, May 4th 2020

Key Article INSIGHT: Tunisian officials reported that it had recorded four new COVID-19 infections in the country over the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number to 1,013. The health ministry statement noted that 42 people who had tested positive for the virus had died in the country and that 328 have recovered thus far.

Security INSIGHT:  Over the last few days there’s been an uptick in civil discontent in response to the government’s COVID-19 response.  While the issue was addressed by government officials, the development adds additional risk to organizations in Tunisia.

COVID-19 will have a NEGATIVE IMPACT on Tunisian Tourism…

Travel:

The US embassy is working to schedule one additional repatriation flight for US citizens on May 7. See details here:

At the time of this writing, both the U.S. and UK embassies advises against all but essential international travel.

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Tunisia to REOPEN Economy in Stages…

Tunisia Security Update

Your #1 Source for Travel & Security News IMPACTING Tunisia.

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UPDATE: Tunisia to reopen economy in stages…

The lockdown will begin to be eased on May 4. Further easing after May 11 will include clothing shops and malls

Key Article INSIGHT:  The lockdown will begin to be eased on May 4. Further easing after May 11 will include clothing shops and malls, said Lobna Jribi, the minister in charge of major projects.

Tentative Stages: 

Stage 1 – May 4th- “Essential Workers + Supporting elements”

What you need to know:  On May 4th, a gradual lifting of the confinement measures will take place. The confinement measures will vary slightly from region to region and includes essential workers and workers in supporting ministries & industries.

Stage 2- May 11th “General Public” Re-open

This stage will include the general public including clothing shops, coffee shops and open markets.

Important to NOTE:  The Tunisian government will provide further detail about the new measures before May 4th.  

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Security  INSIGHT: The lockdown, according to Health Minister Abdelatif el-Makki has stopped 25,000 cases of the virus and 1,000 deaths.  Tunisia, has about 500 intensive care beds, has confirmed fewer than 1,000 cases in all.

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Travel:  At the time of this writing both the U.S. and UK embassies advises against all but essential international travel.

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Annual Jewish pilgrimage to Tunisia’s Ghriba synagogue CANCELED

Tunisia Security Update

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UPDATE: Annual pilgrimage to Tunisia’s Ghriba synagogue CANCELED.

Jews gather at the Ghriba synagogue in Tunisia’s Mediterranean resort island of Djerba on the first day of the annual Jewish pilgrimage to the synagogue on May 2, 2018. (AFP Photo/Fethi Belaid)-Source: TOI April 21, 2020

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Key Article INSIGHT: The annual pilgrimage was scheduled for May 7-13.  Hundreds of Israelis, many of them of Tunisian origin, traditionally visit the synagogue for the annual pilgrimage.

The Jewish community on Djerba dates back nearly 2,600 years, much longer than the Christian or Muslim presence on the island.

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Security  INSIGHT: Tunisia’s small Jewish community is still recovering from a suicide bombing claimed by Al-Qaeda at the synagogue in 2002 that killed 21 people. Before that, some 8,000 pilgrims used to travel to Djerba for the annual celebration.

Travel:  At the time of this writing both the U.S. and UK embassies advises against all but essential international travel.

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VIDEO UPDATE: Tunisia travel…Pre-Flight COVID-19 tests

Tunisia Security Update

Your #1 Source for Travel & Security News IMPACTING Tunisia.

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VIDEO UPDATE

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Travel UPDATE:

Ahead of boarding their Emirates flight from Dubai to Tunisia on April 15th, masked passengers were given blood tests for Covid-19, with results delivered within 10 minutes. Emirates, which claims to be the first airline to perform these tests.

Key INSIGHT: Other airlines are considering different approaches: Earlier this month, Etihad, also based in the United Arab Emirates, announced that it was currently testing new kiosks in Abu Dhabi.

Security INSIGHT:  The outbreak is hitting Tunisia’s tourism sector, which represents nearly 10% of gross domestic product (GDP) and is a key source of foreign currency, particularly hard.

Travel Guidelines:  At the time of this writing both the U.S. and UK embassies advises against all but essential international travel.

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Tunisia extends COVID-19 LOCKDOWN to May 4th…

Tunisia Security Update

Your #1 Source for Travel & Security News IMPACTING Tunisia.

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Read Full Article…

UPDATE: Tunisia extends coronavirus lockdown to May 4th

Source: Reuters April 19, 2020

Key Article INSIGHT: The North African country has confirmed 866 cases of the coronavirus and 37 related deaths, and has imposed a lockdown since March. 20.

Security INSIGHT:  The outbreak is hitting Tunisia’s tourism sector, which represents nearly 10% of gross domestic product (GDP) and is a key source of foreign currency, particularly hard.

Travel:  At the time of this writing both the U.S. and UK embassies advises against all but essential international travel.

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COVID-19 IMPACT: Major Damage to Tunisian Economy

Tunisia Security Update

Your #1 Source for Travel & Security News IMPACTING Tunisia.

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Article Analysis:

“Coronavirus may cause 400,000 travel-related job losses in Tunisia”-Published date: 15 April 2020 

Tunisia forecasts $1.4bn-loss in revenue in tourism sector over Coronavirus pandemic

3-Quick Key INSIGHTS:

• Estimates project Tunisian economy will lose $1.4bn tourism revenue.

• Tunisia has recorded a total of 747 cases of the virus and 34.

• To mitigate the economic effects of the pandemic, Tunisia is seeking to secure a loan up to $877m (Source:  North African Post)

• Visit Tunisia Security Update Facebook Page for more UPDATES.

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What’s going ON?

The coronavirus pandemic has devastated Tunisia’s tourism industry, with the vital sector expected to see 400,000 people lose their jobs this year and $1.4bn in lost revenue.

Like many countries across the globe, Tunisia has been under lockdown for weeks, with most residents only leaving their homes for exercise, grocery shopping and pharmacy runs.

 

Economic Challenges Ahead…

But as the second-biggest contributor to the country’s economy after agriculture, the tourism industry has almost completely shut down. Restaurants have closed, as have hotels and land borders, and international flights have been banned.

Tourist arrivals fell from over 7 million in 2010 to 5 million by 2015. But the number of visitors rose to 8.3 million in 2018, a 17 percent increase from 2017

Tourist arrivals fell from over 7 million in 2010 to 5 million by 2015. But the number of visitors rose to 8.3 million in 2018, a 17 percent increase from 2017

Now, under the pandemic, that number is expected to plummet.

Tunisia has recorded a total of 747 cases of the virus and 34 coronavirus-related deaths. So far, 43 people have recovered from the infection.

Tunisia’s number of cases falls well below neighbouring Algeria, which has reported 2,160 cases and 336 deaths, highlighting the need to ban tourism in order to slow the spread, as tourists from Algeria, Russia and the EU make up a large portion of the country’s yearly visitors.

Security Bottom Line

In a report released on Wednesday, the IMF said in general, economies across the Middle East and North Africa are expected to shrink by 3.3 percent during 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic could not have come at a worse time for Tunisia.  Having just completed a complicated election cycle, the country was looking forward to a much needed successful tourism season.

At the time of this writing both the U.S. and UK embassies advises against all but essential international travel.

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Tunisia gets READY to elect new President

Quick Summary: The presidential run-off election to take place on Sunday, October 13th is between Nabil Karoui, a perceived liberal and populist media mogul who was released from jail four days before the election and Kais Saïed, a perceived conservative who is a professor specialised in constitutional law. Most did not see either candidate coming.

Tunisia Presidential Election recap:

• Karoui took 15.6% of the vote in the first round of the election three weeks ago, while retired law professor Saied came first with 18.4%.

 

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Tunisians head to the polls on Sunday to elect a new president, in an election some voters are calling a “catastrophe”.

The presidential run-off is between Nabil Karoui, a perceived liberal and populist media mogul who was released from jail four days before the election and Kais Saïed, a perceived conservative who is a professor specialised in constitutional law. Most did not see either candidate coming.

The two men, ranked as outsiders, saw off 24 other candidates in the first round of voting last month. Mr Saied took 18.4% of the vote, while Mr Karoui, who is the head of the Qalb Tounes party, received 15.6%.

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SECURITY Bottom Line:

Tunisia has a come a long way the 2011 “Arab Spring” still, Sunday’s election highlights the cracks in the young democracy’s path to economic stability.

Regardless of the outcome; Tunisia will continue to experience socioeconomic challenges that will test both the new President and newly elected parliament.

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3 Key Facts about Tunisia’s Parliament Elections

Quick Summary: Tunisians will elect a new parliament on Sunday, and all indications point to heavy losses for establishment parties. Young, independent candidates could reap the benefits.

Tunisia Parliamentary Elections at a glance:

• More than 15,000 candidates on 1,500 lists are contesting 217 seats in a parliament dominated by the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha in alliance with centrist party Nidaa Tounes

Assembling a government will be a Challenge

Although political polling is prohibited during campaigning, most signs suggest that no one party or group will win a clear majority in parliament.

Even the task of assembling a governing coalition of two or three parties could be a daunting task considering the fact that a number of small groups and independent members with little or no political experience may populate the body

With major political parties such as Ennahdha and Qalb Tounes refusing to enter a coalition government with one another; analysts warn of yet another political crisis.

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3 Key Facts About Tunisia’s Parliament Elections:

1. 220 registered political parties, but only 10 of them are fielding candidates in all 33 districts.
2. A 2019 survey by the International Republican Institute found that 70 percent of the population distrusted political parties

3. Presidential runoff will be held one week after Sunday’s parliamentary election.

SECURITY Bottom Line:

Many Tunisians hope that their presidential vote sent a powerful message to the political elites and that it would revive the promises of the 2011 revolution.

Given the socio-economic challenges that Tunisia is facing; it may be too much to hope for.

For more information on this development: Aljazeera: Tunisia’s parliamentary elections at a glance

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