Coronavirus: Algerian president enters voluntary quarantine

Abdelmadjid Tebboune's announcement on Saturday came after several government officials tested positive for the coronavirus

 Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune speaks during a press conference in Algiers, Algeria, in December 2019. EPA

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said he is quarantining after a number of coronavirus infections among staff at the Algerian presidential headquarters, and several high-profile government officials.
"In compliance with the advice of the medical staff, I have entered voluntary quarantine after several high-profile government officials were tested positive with the coronavirus," Mr Tebboune said on his personal Twitter account on Saturday.

The president said he was "fine and well" and would continue his normal work remotely during the quarantine period. His doctors advised him to isolate for a period of 5 days, starting from October 24.
Algeria has reported 55,000 coronavirus infections since the first case was recorded on February 25. The number of deaths has passed 1,900, with more than 38,000 patients recovered and 29 in intensive care as of Sunday.

The north African country has largely eased its coronavirus restrictions, including resuming public transportation as well as reopening some businesses, mosques and leisure spots.

Schools reopened last week and universities will reopen on November 22, the government said.

Mr Tebboune's isolation comes as his country prepares to vote in a referendum on reforms designed to rebalance power away from the presidency and toward Parliament and the Prime Minister.

In an address broadcasted by the Algerian Television and National Radio on Sunday, the Algerian prime minister Abdelaziz Djerad said the November 1 constitutional amendment bill marks the "reconciliation of Algeria with itself, with its history and with the aspirations of its children."

Mr Djerad explained that the constitutional amendment submitted to a referendum "is not an end in itself, but the means to achieve the ambitious and legitimate goals of the Algerian people."