Tunisia to open sea, air and land borders on June 27

North African country’s decision seeks to rescue vital tourism industry as coronavirus pandemic comes under control.

TUNIS - Tunisia will open its sea, land and air borders on June 27, authorities said on Monday, in hopes of rescuing its tourism industry as the coronavirus pandemic comes under control.

The government said also it will allow movement between cities again from Thursday.

Tunisians repatriated from abroad, who are currently subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine at state expense in homes or hotels made available to the government, will now be forced to spend seven days in isolation in a hotel at their expense.

Upon leaving, they will be subject to rigorous health monitoring for an additional seven days, according to a statement released by the Tunisian Presidency, which does not specify the terms of quarantine after June 27.

A press conference is scheduled for Wednesday at the presidency of the government to detail the measures, said the same source.

The North African country has recorded 1,070 cases and 48 deaths, with only two people still in hospital.

Tunisia has forecast its economy will shrink up to 4.3% this year, the steepest drop since 1956 independence.

The important tourism sector could lose $1.4 billion and 400,000 jobs this year due to the pandemic.