Libya’s Al-Asabaa Municipality suspended schooling on Thursday across all educational institutions after a sharp rise in reported illness cases among students and teachers, according to the local Education Monitoring Authority.
In a statement, the authority said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure following multiple reports from school principals confirming the emergence of similar symptoms among a significant number of pupils and staff. The symptoms, which were not specified, prompted concerns over the potential spread of an infectious illness, leading officials to opt for an immediate halt to classes.
The authority stressed that the suspension aims to safeguard students, teachers, and school workers while preventing any possible outbreak. It emphasised that the measure is temporary and based solely on public-health considerations, pending further assessment of the situation.
The Education Monitoring Authority also instructed school administrations to officially notify parents, staff members, and all relevant personnel of the suspension decision. It called for close monitoring of the health situation inside schools over the coming days and urged full cooperation to ensure the safety of the educational environment.
Local sources noted that health teams may be deployed to conduct follow-up assessments and identify the cause of the rising illness cases, though no official confirmation has been issued. The authorities reiterated that additional steps will be taken if necessary, with the priority being the protection of students and staff across the municipality.
The suspension comes amid broader concerns within several Libyan municipalities regarding seasonal illnesses and limited healthcare capacity in some regions. Officials in Al-Asabaa affirmed their commitment to transparency and to updating the public on any new developments.
