Libya: GNA extends civil aviation ban July 19 /update 11

Event

The Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) extended a ban on civil aviation for a further 15 days as of Sunday, July 19. The ban excludes official visits, medevac and cargo flights, return flights for Libyans abroad, and departure flights for both Libyans and foreigners. 

Separately, the GNA extended the curfew and other lockdown measures in place in areas under its control for ten days from July 7, until Friday, July 17. The decision comes amid the ongoing response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, as the number of cases continues to rise nationwide. The curfew in the western and southern GNA-controlled areas remains in place between 20:00 and 06:00 (local time). A full 48-hour ban on non-essential movement will also be enforced over the weekend of July 10 and 11, the fourth consecutive weekend of such restrictions.

Land and sea border crossing points within GNA territory were closed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj in mid-March. All mosques, schools, restaurants, wedding halls, parks, and shops also remain closed, however, local reports have stated that authorities have been loosely enforcing the closures.

As of Monday, July 20, there have been at least 1866 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Libya and 48 associated deaths. 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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.