Algerians are watching the situation to see if the global Corona epidemic will be able to do what the Authority has been unable to do, which is to stop the mass protests that have been going on for a year.

Demonstrations are taking place in Algiers and other cities on Friday and Tuesday, and demonstrators appeared divided over taking to the streets this week.

On Thursday, Algerian President Abdel Majid Taboun ordered the closure of schools and universities until April 5 to slow the outbreak of the new Corona virus, after health authorities said they recorded two deaths and 26 infections.

The government took a series of measures to curb the spread of the virus, banning fans from attending football matches, suspending all cultural, social and political gatherings, and issuing a decision to close educational institutions, universities and institutes.

But it was not clear if this would include weekly protests that have rocked the capital and other cities since early 2019, and forced President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to leave power.

Fears
The protests ousted many senior officials, and demanded the removal of the ruling elite, the withdrawal of the army from politics, and the eradication of corruption.

"The mobility must continue until the regime falls, and the system has not yet fallen. If we stop now, the system will be reborn. I understand that there is a danger of corona, but I will go out in tomorrow's demonstrations," a taxi driver said.

But Jamila Peled, 43, a mother of three, who describes herself as supportive of the protest, said she would not participate.

"If the movement continues, the Corona virus may spread and affect more people. I am very concerned and will not allow my children to participate," she said.

Although the government and the army praised the protests, they also attempted to quell them by combining a heavy police presence with arrests and making a series of concessions.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Abdelaziz Jarrad said the "multidimensional crisis" facing Algeria with the collapse of oil prices should push people to reduce demands from the government and reduce their presence on the street.