Libya imposes curfew due to COVID-19 surge as vaccination continues

TRIPOLI: JULY 27 – The Libyan Government on Monday imposed a curfew due to increasing COVID-19 infections, while the nationwide vaccination continues.

The curfew will last for two weeks from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Libyan Health Minister Ali Zanati Sunday stressed the importance of the curfew, confirming that COVID-19 isolation centres in Western Libya are congested.

The country’s Health Ministry on Saturday announced that it was to launch an “exceptional” vaccination campaign against the pandemic.

Libya has received more than 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, and more doses are expected to arrive soon, according to the minister.

The campaign aims to vaccinate 1 million people, whether Libyan nationals or foreigners, above the age of 18.

More than 500,000 people have been vaccinated nationwide so far.

A number of temporary vaccination centres were set up in the capital Tripoli, with more centres to be built in western, eastern and southern cities.

“Everyone must be aware of the importance of the vaccine against the coronavirus, as it is the only way to stop the infections,” said a senior official of the National Center for Disease Control, adding that the country is committed to going through the current difficulties.

The protective measures that the Libyan Government recently adopted include banning public gatherings, public transportation, and closing restaurants and coffee shops.

Earlier in July, the government closed the border with Tunisia due to the high numbers of infections.

According to the National Center for Disease Control, Libya has so far registered a total of 236,961 cases and 3,398 deaths.

-XINHUA