Algeria reimposes restrictions to curb Covid numbers

All public gatherings have been banned until further notice in 35 provinces

An Algerian medic stands at a Covid-19 vaccination site in front of the El Kebir mosque in the capital Algiers

Algeria will reimpose restrictions on gatherings from Monday to cope with a rapid spread of the more infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus, the prime minister's office said.

The measures, which will apply to 35 out of 58 provinces, include closing gyms, cultural centres, leisure venues, beaches and used car markets, as well as an 8pm-6am curfew, a statement from the office said on Sunday.

All gatherings, including wedding celebrations, will be banned, while cafes and restaurants will be allowed to provide only takeaway services.

The Delta variant caused 71 per cent of all infections in July, according to the state research centre Pasteur Institute.

The North African country has so far reported 162,155 infections and 4,063 deaths.

North Africa is grappling with the spread of the more infectious Delta variant of Covid-19.

The healthcare system in Tunisia is facing collapse after being overwhelmed by a surge in Covid-19 cases. The nation of 12 million people had been struggling to obtain the necessary vaccine doses even before the pandemic hit the country hard.

European, Arab and Gulf nations have organised equipment and vaccine donations that are now helping to battle the pandemic.

Coronavirus around the world - in pictures

People travel home from the capital Dhaka, after Bangladesh's government imposed a lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus.

Tourists on the terraces of a beach in Valencia, Spain before it was closed for a night-time curfew.

A man on crutches moves away from tear gas thrown by police during a protest in Sao Paulo to demand the impeachment of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro and against his handling of the pandemic.

People pray as screens show devotees gathering via Zoom during a ceremony to commemorate the Buddhist Lent Day in Pathum Thani province, Thailand.

Christians inside their cars pray during a drive-in worship service at the Songgok high school in Seoul, South Korea.

A Grade10 class at the Zarghoona high school in Kabul, Afghanistan. The school opened after a break of almost two months due to the pandemic.

Soldiers from spray disinfectant throughout a street in Hanoi, Vietnam.

People queue at a coronavirus vaccination and testing centre at the Martyrs' Square of Libya's capital Tripoli.