Tunisia recorded the highest number of COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths between September 28 and October 11, announced the Ministry of Health. On October 10, Tunisia had 1,297 new cases bringing the total to 32,556 infections including 478 fatalities since the coronavirus disease was first detected in the country on March 02. The rate of positive tests was estimated at about 30 percent, with 274 confirmed cases for every 100,000 tested residents. Over the past two weeks, Tunisia recorded 264 deaths, 55 percent of the total number of COVID-19 fatalities recorded in the country. There are currently 704 patients in the hospitals, including 138 in intensive care units, and 65 who need ventilators. Meanwhile, a member of the scientific committee for the fight against the coronavirus, Habib Guedira, confirmed that 33 percent of total tests conducted by the health authorities came positive. Guedira said that between September 28 and October 11, 46,262 COVID-19 tests were performed, with about 16,442 testing positive for the virus. Various health institutions expect the country to record more cases during the second half of October. Meanwhile, the director-general of the Pasteur Institute of Tunis (IPT), Hechmi Louzir, confirmed that the rapid tests, which were approved on Monday, will enable fast detection of the virus and relieve pressure on hospitals. He indicated that the results of the tests can be obtained within a short period of time, ranging between 15 and 20 minutes. Louzir explained that the tests will be conducted on suspected cases of COVID-19 infection and patients who show symptoms of the disease. He asserted that the tests, which will be provided free of charge in the emergency departments of public hospitals, are funded by the state, through the voluntary fund dedicated to fighting the coronavirus outbreak, or international donations.