Libya on Sunday imposed sweeping restrictions to stem the spread of the coronavirus as recorded cases hit a new high amid a slow vaccination program, with experts warning of a "critical" situation.
For the next two weeks, cafes must close, weddings and organized funerals with mourners are barred, and the use of public transport is banned, Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah said in a decree.
Restaurants can only serve food via deliveries, while people must wear a mask and observe social distancing rules in shops and markets.
National Center for Disease Control head Badreddine al-Najjar warned of a "critical" situation, due to the rapid increase in infections.
“We are facing an unprecedented situation,” said Tareq Gibrael, a senior physician at the center. “The constantly rising curve of new cases shows that we are bracing for a third wave, especially now that the delta variant is spreading in neighboring countries. We are in a very tough position.”
In past weeks, daily recorded cases have not exceeded 400 a day.
But numbers spiked this week, with health officials recording 2,854 cases in 48 hours, according to latest official figures.
The new measures come just days after the borders were closed with Tunisia, where the health system is struggling to cope with an influx of patients with COVID-19.
