Libya: GNA to implement 24-hour curfew for ten days from April 17 to curb COVID-19 spread /update 5

Event

The Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) has reportedly accepted Ministry of Health guidelines to combat the country's coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, according to initial reports on Wednesday, April 15, and has agreed to implement a 24-hour curfew in areas under its control for ten days from Friday, April 17, to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Ministry of Health has asserted that Libya is in the "3-4 week which is the most dangerous time for the virus to spread."

Land and sea border crossing points within GNA territory were closed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj on Monday, March 16. All mosques, schools, restaurants, wedding halls, parks, and shops are also closed as a precaution.

Panic buying is likely in GNA-controlled areas on Thursday, April 16, and civil unrest remains possible ahead of Ramadan, which is expected to begin around Friday, April 24. As of April 16, 48 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Libya, including one associated death. Further international spread of COVID-19 is to be expected over the near term. 

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.