ALGIERS, April 25 (Xinhua) -- The Algerian government on Saturday decided to re-open more businesses, in a move to ease the adverse effect of the nationwide lockdown imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19, official APS news agency reported. The executive order issued by Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad issued aims to reduce the economic and social impact of this health crisis, according to a statement of the prime ministers office. The re-opening decision concerns a number of businesses including bookshops, clothing and footwear stores, pastry, confectionery and traditional cake shops, hairdressers, household appliance stores, kitchen utensil shops, fabric and bedding material stores, haberdashery and hosiery stores, jewellery and watch stores, cosmetics and perfume shops, office furniture shops, as well as wholesale and retail markets dedicated to construction materials. With regard to hairdressing, clothes and footwear stores, the government urged buyers and customers to strictly comply with required social distancing and sanitary measures. So far, only businesses that meet the necessary needs of people have been allowed to re-open, including pharmacies, bakeries, groceries, and fruit and vegetable markets. Last month, the government allowed the reopening of some businesses, including mechanic workshops, spare-part stores, convenience shops, newsagent shops, cell phone and computer stores, as well as phone and computers repair shops. Algeria has so far reported 3,256 COVID-19 cases and a death toll of 419. In a bid to curb the spread of the deadly virus, the Alegrian authorities have imposed a partial nationwide lockdown until April 29.
