Libya imposes 4-day lockdown in capital

By Walid Abdullah

TRIPOLI, Libya (AA) - Libya on Wednesday announced a four-day complete lockdown in the capital Tripoli amid rising number of coronavirus cases.

According to a statement by the internationally recognized government, mass gatherings and all religious and national festivals will remain suspended during this period.

Markets will also remain closed, while social distancing is mandatory along with abiding by preventive measures.

Meanwhile, a partial lockdown from 9 p.m. (1900 GMT) to 6 a.m. (04:00 GMT) local time will be in effect after the total shutdown.

On Fridays and Saturdays, however, a complete curfew will be enforced.

So far, Libya has confirmed 11,834 virus infections, including 210 deaths and 1,152 recoveries.

The North African country’s health system is in tatters after nearly a decade of civil war.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara