Libya: COVID-19 Forces Sabha Residents to Isolate Themselves

A worker wears a protective face mask and gloves at a factory for masks, as part of precautionary measures against coronavirus, in Misrata, Libya. (File photo: Reuters)
A worker wears a protective face mask and gloves at a factory for masks, as part of precautionary measures against coronavirus, in Misrata, Libya. (File photo: Reuters)
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Libya: COVID-19 Forces Sabha Residents to Isolate Themselves

A worker wears a protective face mask and gloves at a factory for masks, as part of precautionary measures against coronavirus, in Misrata, Libya. (File photo: Reuters)
A worker wears a protective face mask and gloves at a factory for masks, as part of precautionary measures against coronavirus, in Misrata, Libya. (File photo: Reuters)

Libya's National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) called on all citizens to remain in Sabha city until those who were in direct contact with individuals recently tested positive for COVID-19 were traced and the epidemiological situation stabilized.

The number of people infected with the COVID-19 virus in Sabha has increased Tuesday, after 10 new cases had been recorded in the city, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 168, with 52 recoveries and five deaths.

NCDC advised the residents of Sabha, south of Libya, to follow the preventative measures, including, curfew, social distancing, and rigorous adherence to personal hygiene to help stem the spread of the pandemic.

The Center indicated that its epidemiological monitoring and investigation teams as well as the rapid response teams are doing their best to track and identify cases.

It dedicated a free-of-charge emergency number for citizens who have any inquiry or suspect they have any of the virus’ symptoms.

Meanwhile, Justice Ministry of the Government of National Accord (GNA) said that the Ministry's health care unit continues to distribute a number of medical and preventive equipment to prisons and rehabilitation centers in Tripoli, including hand sterilizers and disinfectants.

The Ministry noted that these efforts aim to contain the pandemic and prevent its outbreak in prisons.

The supreme committee to combat coronavirus in the eastern region imposed a general lockdown in from 7 PM till 6 AM to help limit the spread of the virus.

The medical consultative committee said that 74 citizens left their hotel in Benghazi after 14 days of quarantine.

On Tuesday, the US Embassy in Libya announced that the US government has committed an additional $6.5 million in support of Libya’s COVID-19 response, which include helping municipalities formalize their crisis response functions, develop emergency management plans, and train teams in crisis emergency response.

The embassy noted that this additional support will also help to expand public awareness and provide assistance to migrants and refugees in Libya during the pandemic.

“The US Government continues to support Libya’s response to COVID-19, totaling over $12 million in assistance committed since the beginning of the outbreak.”



Israel Says it Intercepted Missile Launched from Yemen

Protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, rally in solidarity with Palestinians, in Sanaa, Yemen May 2, 2025. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah
Protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, rally in solidarity with Palestinians, in Sanaa, Yemen May 2, 2025. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah
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Israel Says it Intercepted Missile Launched from Yemen

Protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, rally in solidarity with Palestinians, in Sanaa, Yemen May 2, 2025. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah
Protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, rally in solidarity with Palestinians, in Sanaa, Yemen May 2, 2025. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah

The Israeli military said on Saturday it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen, as the US intensifies its strikes in Yemen against the Iran-backed Houthi militias.
The military said sirens were activated in a number of areas in Israel after the missile was launched.
US President Donald Trump in March ordered large-scale strikes against the Houthis to reduce their capabilities and deter them from attacking ships in the Red Sea.
The deadly strikes on the group were the biggest US military operation in the Middle East since Trump took office in January.
The Houthis say their attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping are in solidarity with the Palestinians over the war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.
The group pledged to expand its range of targets in Israel in retaliation for a renewed offensive in Gaza that began two months ago.
The militias have also vowed to continue attacks on shipping after the US launched its biggest and deadliest military operation in Yemen since US President Donald Trump took office.