The Algerian Ministry of Health confirmed on Tuesday the first case of coronavirus in the country, an Italian man who arrived on February 17.

The Minister of Health Health Shamsuddin Shitor said on state TV that the authorities were able to detect this case due to the vigilance system adopted at all land, air and maritime entry points to the country.

The Italian man is currently quarantined according to international standards, Shitor added.

On Wednesday, Algerian health officials said that banning public protests was “not on the agenda” despite the coronavirus case.

Thousands of Algerians have been protesting against the government since February 22 last year, in response to president Abdelaziz Bouteflika announcing he intended a run for a fifth term - despite being debilitated by a 2013 stroke.



Second coronavirus case in Africa, spread from Italy

The announcement brings the total cases announced in Africa to two, after Egypt announced one case on February 15.

Unlike Egypt, the case in Algeria came from Italy, where four people have died from the virus. Italy, which has the highest number of cases in Europe, appears to be a place from where the virus is spreading, with Croatia confirming a young man returning from the country as its first case.

Countries including Saudi Arabia have advised against travel to Italy. Passengers who arrived by bus in Lyon in southeast France Monday from Milan in Italy were kept onboard after the driver was hospitalized with symptoms similar to those caused by the new coronavirus, security sources said.

Italian authorities announced the cancellation of the Venice carnival on Sunday over coronavirus concerns.

The virus, known as COVID_19, began in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has since spread across the world.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading your web browser

Read more:

Iran announces four new coronavirus deaths, total now 19: Officials on State TV

27 travelers from Iran test positive for coronavirus in 6 Arab countries

Coronavirus cases in Iran could be as high as 1,500: Experts

How deadly is the coronavirus and is there a cure: 10 questions answered

A look at Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus epidemic

- With Agencies.

Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:57 - GMT 06:57