ALGIERS, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Algerian Ministry of Sports and Youth on Tuesday said all local sport events will take place behind closed doors, while all international competitions that are due in the North African nation have been postponed as part of authorities efforts to thwart the spread of the coronavirus.
The ministry specified in a statement that the decision of staging sports competitions without fans will be compulsory until March 31, in accordance with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's instructions.
International sport events, which were scheduled in Algeria, have also been postponed with the exception of qualifying games for international and continental championships.
The ministry also decided to suspend training camps that were scheduled for Algerian athletes abroad until April 15th.
The ministry confirmed that the participation of Algerian athletes abroad will be permitted in the event that Algeria is subject to sanctions or exclusion from international competitions.
The number of COVID-19 infected patients hit 20 confirmed cases in Algeria, according to Ministry of Health figures.
