12 Jul 2021 | 03:12 PM UTC
Libya: Authorities tighten COVID-19 restrictions as of July 12 /update 1
Libya enhances COVID-19 restrictions as of July 12 to combat COVID-19; air and land borders with Tunisia remain closed.
Event
Libyan authorities have imposed a series of restrictions as of July 12 as part of their efforts to combat COVID-19. The new measures, which will remain in place through at least July 25, require that all government agencies reduce attendance at work to 25 percent. All public and government agencies are also required to operate a reduced schedule of 09:00-13:00. Restaurants and cafes can only provide delivery services. Authorities have also banned the use of mass public transit and all public gatherings, including funerals, for the duration of the measures.
Authorities previously closed the air and land borders with Tunisia due to an increase in COVID-19 transmission in the neighboring country associated with the spread of the Delta variant of the virus.
Authorities in western Libya will likely maintain a variety of COVID-19 controls in the region, including in Tripoli, through at least late July to stem the spread of the disease. A negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel is required to enter the region.
Land, air, and sea borders in eastern Libya - the area under the control of Libyan National Army (LNA) leader Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar - remain open. Travelers to Benghazi and other areas in eastern Libya under LNA control must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before travel.
Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. In many areas of the country, compliance with and enforcement of restrictions is lax.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.
