Libya Warns of Surge in COVID-19 Infections

Doctors in Kabaw treat an infant infected with the coronavirus. (Kabaw municipal council)
Doctors in Kabaw treat an infant infected with the coronavirus. (Kabaw municipal council)
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Libya Warns of Surge in COVID-19 Infections

Doctors in Kabaw treat an infant infected with the coronavirus. (Kabaw municipal council)
Doctors in Kabaw treat an infant infected with the coronavirus. (Kabaw municipal council)

Libyan authorities have warned on Saturday of a surge in COVID-19 infections as new cases were confirmed among children and infants.

In the meantime, citizens are still awaiting the arrival of vaccines that have not been delivered on time according to the pledges of the outgoing Government of National Accord (GNA).

The Medical Advisory Committee to Combat the Coronavirus in al-Wahat, southwestern Libya, urged citizens to adhere to the preventative measures in order to stem the spread of the pandemic amid a wave of panic among them over the quick transmission of the virus and the increased number of deaths.

The committee attributed this increase to the people’s non-compliance with precautions. It warned that the surge would continue if they failed to respect health regulations.

Meanwhile, the northwestern Kabaw municipality launched a campaign on Friday to test infants and children between the ages of one month and 18 years in an effort to curb the outbreak in the area after it recorded a number of infections in this age category.

Local authorities warned that the second wave of the pandemic was more severe than the first and that people of all ages have not been spared from it.

The GNA had struck agreements for the delivery of 12 million vaccine shots that should have arrived in the country in late March, but the shipments have been delayed.

Head of the new Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdulhamid Dbeibeh pledged to quickly provide the jabs “no matter the cost,” stressing that his government has set this issue as a priority.



China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
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China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a short visit to Morocco on Thursday, according to state media from both countries.
Xi was welcomed in Casablanca by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and the visit reflected the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between the Moroccan and Chinese peoples, Morocco's MAP said.
The Crown Prince and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch met Xi at the airport, where Xi and Hassan had a "cordial conversation", China's state broadcaster CCTV said.
Xi made the visit after being in Brazil for the G20 Summit.
China has stepped up investments in Morocco's infrastructure and rail sector in recent years.
Morocco's geographic location close to Europe, its free trade agreements with key EU and US markets and its existing automotive industry, make it attractive to Chinese electric vehicle battery makers.
In June, Chinese EV battery manufacturer Gotion High Tech picked Morocco to set up Africa's first gigafactory for a total cost of $1.3 billion.