On July 9, 2021, the Libyan government announced the closure of its land and air borders with Tunisia for a period of one week. This decision was made in response to the worsening COVID-19 situation in Tunisia, where the healthcare system has reportedly collapsed. The Libyan government has taken this measure to protect its citizens and prevent the spread of the virus.
The announcement was made by Mohamed Hamouda, spokesperson for the Government of National Unity, on his Facebook page. He stated that the government had decided to close the borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of Libyan citizens. The Libyan government has also pledged to take care of its citizens stranded in Tunisia and facilitate their return to Libya.
The COVID-19 situation in Tunisia has been deteriorating in recent weeks, with a significant increase in cases and hospitalizations. The country's healthcare system has been overwhelmed, and there have been reports of shortages of medical supplies and staff. The Libyan government has taken a proactive approach to protect its citizens and prevent the spread of the virus.
The closure of the borders with Tunisia will have a significant impact on trade and travel between the two countries. Many Libyans travel to Tunisia for business or leisure, and the closure will disrupt these activities. However, the Libyan government has emphasized that the safety of its citizens is its top priority.
The Libyan government has urged its citizens stranded in Tunisia to contact the Libyan embassy in Tunis to facilitate their return. The embassy will provide assistance and support to ensure the safe return of Libyan citizens. The government has also called on its citizens to exercise caution and follow health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The decision to close the borders with Tunisia is part of a broader effort by the Libyan government to combat the spread of COVID-19. The government has implemented various measures, including vaccination campaigns, testing, and contact tracing. The closure of the borders with Tunisia is a proactive measure to prevent the spread of the virus and protect Libyan citizens.
The situation in Tunisia remains challenging, and the Libyan government will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to protect its citizens. The closure of the borders with Tunisia is a temporary measure, and the government will review the situation in the coming week to determine the next course of action.
Key points
- Libya closes land and air borders with Tunisia for a week due to COVID-19 surge.
- The Libyan government pledges to take care of its citizens stranded in Tunisia and facilitate their return.
- The closure of the borders with Tunisia is part of a broader effort by the Libyan government to combat the spread of COVID-19.
