The curve of covid-19 infections in Libya is escalating on a daily basis, while health officials complain that citizens are ignoring precautionary measures, including wearing masks.
The National Center for Disease Control registered more than 700 new infections on Saturday, bringing the cumulative number to 118,000 cases in 37 cities across Libya.
The National Oil Corporation in Tripoli mourned the death of the director general of the General Administration for Financial and Administrative Affairs, Abdul Mohsen al-Delawy, who succumbed to the virus.
Officials in the medical sector blamed a large segment of citizens for neglecting to wear masks, and for organizing or attending crowded weddings, funerals and markets.
Meanwhile, the country continues to implement the Hemaya (Protection) initiative, which was launched by the National Center for Elderly Care in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Services, under the slogan of, “Special services for special groups in exceptional circumstances.”
The initiative features training workshops for nursing teams on how to deal with Covid-19 cases, administer medicines and install oxygen cylinders, as well as how to prevent transmission of infection among the elderly.
The Medical Advisory Committee in eastern Libya recommended closing social event halls and cafes for a period of two weeks. Mosques are allowed to remain open, while observing social distancing measures and wearing masks.
The committee also decided to start imposing financial fines on citizens and business owners who do not wear masks and apply precautionary measures.
