Libyans Hope Coronavirus Could Do What War Has Failed to Achieve

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March 29th, 8:19am

Cairo - Jamal Jawhar

Libya's Tripoli view - AAWSAT AR

On a highway in central Libya in Al-Jafra Governorate, some Waddan citizens are distributing dates and water to cargo and fuel truck drivers moving between the governorate and neighboring areas, in addition to sterilizing passing vehicles using disinfectants. This citizens' voluntary act in this humble town aims to make road trips easier for those passing by after restaurants and shops were shut as precautionary measures to confront the new coronavirus. The move also comes amid severe division over the year-long battle in Tripoli. Today, Libyans hope the pandemic could fix what the war has failed to resolve. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat a citizen from Waddan describes the situation. “The war had a negative impact on some people and their hatred has deepened to the extent that they hope the virus will eliminate their enemies in the military battle,” said Ahmed al-Wali. “However, those remain a few amid thousands of Libyans and businessmen seeking to make good deeds.” Meanwhile, Al-Wefaq government in Tripoli plans to impose more measures on citizens' daily movement from 8 a.m until 2 p.m. to restrict human gatherings; while the Tripoli municipality continues to distribute bread to neighboring citizens. In a statement on Sunday, the municipality said this step is part of a mechanism adopted by the municipality to urge residents to stay at home except for necessary trips to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Libya has registered only one infection, but medical teams in east and west Libya continue sterilization and screening operations for citizens who might be infected amid ongoing preparations of quarantine zones in each of Sirte and Bani Walid, as precautionary measures if new infections are reported. There are several other initiatives launched across Libya calling on people to stay at home to reduce the spread of the virus. The campaigns come particularly as the country suffers from a decline in the level of hospitals and medical services.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2205326/libyans-hope-coronavirus-could-do-what-war-has-failed-achieve