By Sami Zaptia.
London, 3 August 2020:
The number of Coronavirus cases in Libya have continued to rise at an increasing pace. The country’s health agencies have warned that the spread of the virus could get out of control
Libya’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported:
- 123 new cases on 25 July
- 122 on 26 July,
- 158 on 27 July,
- 190 on 28 July
- 205 on 29 July
- 216 on 30 July
- 183 on 31 July
- 70 on 1 August
- 146 on 2 August
There is now a total of 3,837 cases, of which 3,131 are active. There are 623 recovered cases and 83 deaths. The number of active cases is stretching hospital capacity.
The main hotspots are Tripoli, Misrata, Benghazi and Sebha. Deaths, too, are rising. There were almost three times the number of deaths in July as there were in the previous three months.
The surge in reported infections is probably down in part to the fact that more tests are being carried out. A further spike over the Eid holiday may be inevitable. Reports indicate a lack of social distancing and of people wearing masks.
The surge will probably mean that Libyans remain unable to enter neighbouring Tunisia, even though Turkey has allowed flights bring passengers out to resume from Misrata airport.
The Tripoli government had announced last Wednesday a 24- curfew over the five-day extended Eid holiday (31 July to 4 August) in an effort to break the cycle of increased numbers. Travel between cities was also prohibited.
Furthermore, it extended the curfew from Wednesday 5 August for another five days from 9 pm to 6 am.
