(TAP) - The coronavirus has been officially recognised as an occupational disease, following a small cabinet meeting held Saturday in Tunis on the evolution of the epidemiological situation in the country.

The coronavirus has been classified as an occupational disease for the medical and paramedical staff working in the public and private sectors. The Ministry of Social Affairs is responsible for revising the law on the classification of occupational diseases, reads a statement.

The cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Hichem Méchichi decided urgent measures for at least 15 days to slow down the spread of the new coronavirus, which threatens to saturate hospitals.

In this regard, the cabinet meeting expressed support for the banning of all gatherings and demonstrations, and reiterated the obligation to wear masks in means of transport, closed spaces, and commercial spaces open to the public.

"All cultural, commercial, sporting, public or private events are prohibited for the next two weeks. Administrations will work in shifts, for five hours, to limit transportation congestion while allowing "the production forces to continue their work," the cabinet meeting decided.

In a speech addressed Saturday evening to Tunisians and broadcast on the public channel "al wataneya1", the Prime Minister ruled out any scenario of lockdown, calling on Tunisians to strictly comply with health protocol.