Libya Increases Random Testing to Combat COVID-19

Libyans wearing protective face masks queue in front of a bank in the center of the capital Tripoli amid the coronavirus pandemic. (File photo: AFP)
Libyans wearing protective face masks queue in front of a bank in the center of the capital Tripoli amid the coronavirus pandemic. (File photo: AFP)
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Libya Increases Random Testing to Combat COVID-19

Libyans wearing protective face masks queue in front of a bank in the center of the capital Tripoli amid the coronavirus pandemic. (File photo: AFP)
Libyans wearing protective face masks queue in front of a bank in the center of the capital Tripoli amid the coronavirus pandemic. (File photo: AFP)

Libyan medical authorities have increased random COVID-19 testing and sample collection, hoping it will help curb the spread of the virus, mainly in the capital which has the highest rate of infections.

The number of coronavirus cases is increasing rapidly in Libya, compared to the number of tests conducted daily, at a time when dozens of citizens refuse to declare their positive results, according to medical sources.

The National Center for Disease Control announced Wednesday that 13 of its laboratories had received 2,815 testing samples from over 33 cities and municipalities around the country.

It indicated that 529 samples came back positive, 270 of which are located in Tripoli.

The country’s total number of coronavirus reached 75,465, including 28,285 active cases, while 46,127 recovered and 1,053 died, announced the Center.

It explained that laboratories received fewer numbers of testing samples, resulting in the drop of cases during the past 24 hours, pointing out that occasional power outages in some cities also affect the number of samples tested.

The Center posted a video showing Tripoli municipality conducting random testing and taking swabs from citizens, as part of its campaign to detect virus outbreak.

Head of campaign, Atallah Soleiman Gharibeh, said in a press statement that the campaign is working all the time to spread awareness among citizens on the need to adhere to the precautions.

Meanwhile, Zliten Medical Center, to the west of Libya, stated Tuesday that it had opened another isolation center after the first one became full, as the cases continue to rise in the area.

In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) spokesman in Libya, Ahmad Saad, announced the arrival of a shipment of personal protective equipment, medicines for chronic diseases, and an oxygen ventilator to al-Qubbah Hospital, in eastern Libya.

The Benghazi Medical Center launched a campaign for seasonal influenza vaccination targeting the most vulnerable groups, along with medical teams and assisting teams who are in direct contact with patients, namely those infected with COVID-19.



Israel Says it Has Recovered Bodies of 2 Hostages from Gaza Strip

Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from Israel, June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from Israel, June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
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Israel Says it Has Recovered Bodies of 2 Hostages from Gaza Strip

Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from Israel, June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from Israel, June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

Israel said Thursday that it has recovered the bodies of two hostages taken in Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war in the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the remains of Judih Weinstein and Gad Haggai had been recovered and returned to Israel in a special operation by the army and the Shin Bet internal security agency.

“Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts ache for the most terrible loss. May their memory be blessed,” he said in a statement.

Kibbutz Nir Oz announced the deaths of Weinstein and Haggai, both in their early 70s, in December 2023.

The couple were taking an early morning walk near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of Oct. 7.

In the early hours of the morning, Weinstein was able to call emergency services and let them know that both she and her husband had been shot and send a message to her family.

The couple were survived by two sons and two daughters and seven grandchildren, the kibbutz said.

Following the recovery of two bodies, 56 hostages are still held by Hamas, with fewer than half believed to be alive, according to Israeli estimates.

Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following the Oct. 7 assault.