Libya Intensifies Random Tests to Contain Coronavirus

A vaccination campaign in Janzour, western Libya (National Center for Disease Control)
A vaccination campaign in Janzour, western Libya (National Center for Disease Control)
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Libya Intensifies Random Tests to Contain Coronavirus

A vaccination campaign in Janzour, western Libya (National Center for Disease Control)
A vaccination campaign in Janzour, western Libya (National Center for Disease Control)

Libya deployed mobile clinics near the Martyrs' Square in Tripoli to administer the COVID-19 vaccines and fight the spread of the virus.

The National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) revealed that random tests in the Eastern Province on 2,096 citizens showed a positive rate of 7.6 percent. The center noted that malls, mosques, pharmacies, and cafes are places in which the virus can easily be transmitted.

Commenting on citizens’ adherence to the preventative precautions, NCDC stated that most of the answers in the survey showed negligence to the precautions.

In the same context, Sebha Medical Center in southern Libya complained that the medical teams were being verbally abused by the citizens. This led to some disturbances in the center.

It repeatedly called on the relevant authorities to protect them, but no serious actions were taken to solve this rapidly increasing problem.

Official figures in Libya have shown a remarkable decline in virus infection cases.

This coincides with discussions taking place between Health Minister Ali Al-Zanati and officials from health institutions in the southern region.

Talks covered the obstacles and problems which hospitals are suffering from due to the shortage in medical staff.

The health minister expressed keenness on backing the health sector in the south of the country.

He stressed his ministry’s readiness to tackle the shortage by signing contracts with healthcare members from the north, or even neighboring countries, to provide support.



Cyprus Offers to Assist on Lebanon Ceasefire as More Nations Welcome Agreement

 Displaced residents drive past the rubble of destroyed buildings as they return to their villages, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that went into effect on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Tyre, southern Lebanon. (AP)
Displaced residents drive past the rubble of destroyed buildings as they return to their villages, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that went into effect on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Tyre, southern Lebanon. (AP)
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Cyprus Offers to Assist on Lebanon Ceasefire as More Nations Welcome Agreement

 Displaced residents drive past the rubble of destroyed buildings as they return to their villages, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that went into effect on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Tyre, southern Lebanon. (AP)
Displaced residents drive past the rubble of destroyed buildings as they return to their villages, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that went into effect on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Tyre, southern Lebanon. (AP)

Cyprus is willing to assist in any way possible in helping implement a ceasefire brokered between Lebanon and Israel, its government said on Wednesday.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides spoke by phone with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Wednesday, a statement from the government spokesperson's office said.

"(Christodoulides) expressed the readiness of the Republic of Cyprus to assist in any way requested - taking into account Cyprus's proximity as an EU member state closest to the region and its excellent relations with all parties - both in implementing the ceasefire and any other request," the government spokesperson said in a statement.

Egypt welcomed the ceasefire, the foreign ministry said in a statement, while Jordan said the deal should prompt greater international efforts to bring an end to the war in Gaza.

In an official statement, the kingdom said the move was also a first step towards reversing a dangerous escalation of tensions across the region that had threatened peace and security.

Türkiye welcomed the ceasefire, hoping the truce will be lasting, its foreign ministry said on Wednesday, calling on the international community to pressure Israel into fully implementing it.

"It is imperative for the international community to exert pressure on Israel to fully comply with the ceasefire and to provide reparations for the damages it has caused in Lebanon," the ministry said in a statement, adding Türkiye was ready to support peace efforts in Lebanon.

It added that a ceasefire must also be declared in Gaza as soon as possible for lasting regional peace and stability.