On Monday, Badr Al-Din Al-Najjar, the Director of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced that the epidemiological situation in Libya was exacerbated by the increase in COVID-19 cases. The hardest hit areas were Misrata, Tripoli, and the south. He indicated that there is a spread of the virus throughout Tripoli, especially the municipality of Abu Salim, Hai Al-Andalus, as well as the Soug Al-Jumaa.
In press statements, Al-Najjar confirmed that the detection devices have been provided, and the laboratory’s work has begun at full capacity. He stressed that results will be provided within a maximum of 3 days, without delay. Al-Najjar pointed out that 10,000 tests should be performed per day, but the Centre was only able to conduct between 1000 to 1500 due to its weak capabilities. He also noted that the number of infections surpassed 5000, and deaths have surpassed 100 cases.
The NCDC Director called for an increased focus on the preemptive measures. He considered the complete lockdown, as no longer beneficial, due to citizens’ lack of commitment. He added that the security services were not cooperative, pointing out their lack of readiness to the challenges that exist.