14 Aug 2021 | 02:15 AM UTC
Libya: Government of National Unity lifts 18:00-06:00 nightly COVID-19-related curfew Aug. 14 /update 5
Libya's Government of National Unity lifts 18:00-06:00 nightly COVID-19-related curfew in Tripoli and surrounding areas as of Aug. 14.
Event
Libya's Government of National Unity (GNU) has lifted the previous 18:00-06:00 nightly curfew effective Aug. 14. The decision comes amid the GNU's efforts to vaccinate Libyans throughout western areas of the country. The GNU had imposed a 24-hour curfew Aug. 7-9; further similar measures cannot be ruled out over the coming days and weeks.
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. It is unclear if these measures still remain in place. Restaurants and cafes can only provide delivery services. Authorities have also banned the use of mass public transit as well as all public gatherings, including funerals, for the duration of the measures.
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.
