The Algerian government said in a statement that it has decided to close all schools for 10 days and to tighten control at airports due to the increase in covid-19 cases.
The presidency however said that it was up to the universities to determine whether to close or reschedule their classes.
The decision by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to shut schools starting from Thursday followed an emergency meeting of ministers, top health and security officials.
The government has urged people to get vaccinated to curb the spread of the virus.
The northern African country has so far recorded 229,000 cases including 6443 deaths.