On Sunday, the General Administration for Coastal Security (GACS), in Libya’s eastern region issued a decision to reopen the air, land, and sea ports. This is based on recommendations by the Medical Advisory Committee to Combat Coronavirus.
The procedures for reopening the ports included issuing a monthly list to classify countries into red and green categories. This is based on the epidemiological situation in each country.
GACS noted that all passengers are required to submit a negative PCR test, 48 hours before their departure. In March, Libya declared a state of emergency, over the global COVID-19 epidemic, and closed all air, and sea ports.
On Sunday, Libya’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), announced 465 new cases, bringing the total number of infections to 13,423. In a statement, it also reported one new death, raising the death toll to 232 in the country. Recoveries increased to 1,410, after 77 patients successfully recovered. This is the highest number in a single day, since the outbreak of the virus.
On Wednesday, the Government of National Accord (GNA), announced a four-day lockdown in Tripoli, amid rising number of positive cases. Libya, which has been split for years between rival governments, lacks adequate isolation and healthcare facilities to combat the virus.