27 Jul 2021 | 02:54 AM UTC
Libya: Authorities tighten COVID-19 restrictions as of July 27 /update 2
Libya introduces nightly 18:00-06:00 curfew in Tripoli and surrounding areas as of July 27 to combat COVID-19.
Event
The Government of National Unity (GNU) has introduced a nightly 18:00-06:00 curfew in Tripoli and its surrounding areas as part of its efforts to combat COVID-19 and its variants. The directive will remain in place through at least Aug. 9 and comes amid a surge in the number of disease cases in western Libya. The GNU previously required that all government agencies reduce attendance at work to 25 percent. All public and government agencies were 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.
Officials in western Libya will likely maintain a variety of COVID-19 controls in the region, including in Tripoli. Authorities require a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel 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.
