In his report on Libya to the Security Council yesterday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said although prevention and preparedness measures taken with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic were introduced by authorities with the support of the United Nations, Libya remained at an extremely high risk.

The situation was compounded by increasing levels of fighting and insecurity, political fragmentation and a weak and overstretched health system.

The pandemic led to a loss of income for segments of society, food shortages and an increase in the price of basic commodities.

In addition, measures to restrict the spread of COVID-19 hampered access to humanitarian aid and the movement of medical and humanitarian personnel.

The ongoing conflict and the current pandemic further weakened the already tenuous economic situation in Libya.

The Libyan National Army-supported blockage of oil exports prompted the Government of National Accord to take austerity measures to reduce spending, including payroll reductions.

The austerity measures will further exhaust coping mechanisms at a time when the population is facing tremendous additional economic pressures owing to COVID-19.