Tunisia has suspended all international flights and closed its borders in an effort to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

In a televised speech on Monday, Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh said the North African country had also banned gatherings and markets, while work hours for state employees would be reduced to five hours.

All cultural and sporting events and scientific conferences throughout the country have been cancelled he said, following last week's decision to shutter all cafes, bars and restaurants at 16:00 local time every day.

While the number of cases of the coronavirus in Tunisia is relatively low compared to other countries, Fakhfakh has taken several measures to ensure the country is able to contain the disease.

The latest figures from the government state 24 people are confirmed to have been infected by the virus, known officially as COVID-19.