Air quality improving in quarantined countries

Air quality is improving in countries under coronavirus quarantines, experts say, but it is far too early to speak of long-term change. Images by the U.S. space agency NASA are clear, in February the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) fell dramatically in Wuhan, China, the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic, passing from an indicator that was red/orange to blue. NO2 is mainly produced by vehicles, industrial sites and thermal power stations. As China moves past the peak of its crisis, however, recent images by the European Space Agency (ESA) show…

Over 10 million Tunisians under general Lockdown as of Sunday

Premier Elyes Fakhfakh said Saturday night that the general lockdown is a measure that involves all Tunisians, with the exception of about 15% of the population that will work so as to ensure the smooth running of vital sectors, such as security, health, agro-food, water, electricity, banks… In an address to the nation, Fakhfakh said the general lockdown is a preventive measure to ensure the people’s security and the country’s stability, this is why it is imperative to stay home and reduce the mobility. «The general health lockdown» decided on…

Tunisia mobilises 2.5 billion dinars to combat effects of coronavirus

Tunisia is allocating 2.5 billion dinars to combat the economic and social effects of the coronavirus health crisis, Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh said on Saturday. Among new measures, the government will delay tax debts, postpone taxes on small- and medium-sized businesses, delay repayment of low-income employee loans and provide financial assistance to poor families. “All of Tunisia is united in this dangerous war. The war has a cost and the exceptional decisions that we announced have a cost, but we have no choice”, Fakhfakh said in an address to the…