Tunisia imposed a partial lockdown starting Sunday for the week-long Eid al-Fitr holiday. Authorities warned that any further increase in the number of coronavirus cases could overwhelm the health sector.

Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi Friday said Tunisia is going through “the worst health crisis in its history.” Therefore, the decision came to close mosques, markets and non-essential businesses during the Eid holiday.

“Health institutions are at risk of collapse,” Mechichi said. He added that medical staff are overwhelmed with approximately 100 COVID-19 deaths being recorded every day. Additionally, more than 500 people are currently in intensive care units, which is extemerly high and requires the government to set up field hospitals.

The new measures ban travel between different regions in Tunisia and prohibits gatherings and celebrations. The new measures also introduced an nationwide overnight curfew that starts at 7 pm until 5 am.

The government spokeswoman Hasna Ben Slimane said Tunisians are asked not to leave their houses unless 'strictly necessary.'

Tunisia recorded more than 300,000 coronavirus cases and over 11,200 deaths.