Tunisia is to go into lockdown to fight the spread of coronavirus, the president has announced.

Everyone will have to stay at home unless absolutely necessary, Kais Said said in a televised address.

It is not clear when it will come into force, but people will only be allowed out for medical reasons or to purchase necessities.

Supermarkets, smaller food stores and pharmacies will remain open and stocked.

Inter-city travel within the country will only be allowed if there is a justifiable reason.

The North African nation recorded its first death from Covid-19, the respiratory illness caused by coronavirus, on Thursday.

Earlier this week, a 12-hour curfew had been imposed to try and halt the spread of the virus.