(TAP) - The local disaster response and relief organisation committee in Sfax decided at its meeting Monday to impose a 14-day curfew in the delegations of Greater Sfax as well as on the island of Kerkennah as of October 13.

It was also decided to suspend Friday prayers in various mosques across the governorate.

President of the committee and governor of Sfax Anis Oueslati said these decisions were made because of the rapid spread of the coronavirus in those regions adding that the timing of the curfew is to be announced this evening.

Sfax has seen a surge in coronavirus cases with one death and 98 more active cases recorded last Sunday.

In its latest tally, the Local Health Directorate in Sfax said the region has recorded 1,638 cases and 37 deaths since the outbreak of the coronavirus in Tunisia.

There are now 6 patients admitted to the intensive care unit of the "COVID + Unit" at Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, 35 patients to the "Oxygen COVID Unit" of at Hedi Chaker Hospital and 31 patients are staying in private clinics.