Libya: GNA extends curfew until July 7 /update 9

Event

The Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) extended a curfew and other lockdown measures in place in areas under its control due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic for ten days from Saturday, June 27, until Tuesday, July 7. The decision comes as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise daily nationwide. The curfew in the western and southern GNA-controlled areas is in place between 20:00 and 06:00 (local time). Individuals are required to stay home where possible and face masks must be worn in public at all times. A full 24-hour ban on non-essential movement was also imposed for the second weekend running on Friday, June 26, to Saturday, June 27, and similar measures are likely on Friday, July 3, to Saturday, July 4.

Lockdown measures have also been imposed in Marsa al Brega in eastern Libya for a week from June 27 through July 4.

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

As of Sunday, June 29, there are at least 727 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Libya and 18 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus 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.