Despite registering Libya’s first Coronavirus confirmed case, the Chairman of the Presidential Council Faiez Al Sarraj called on Libyan citizens not to panic and fear from this pandemic, noting that 26 samples for relatives of the first Coronavirus confirmed case in Libya tested negative, according to the National Centre for Disease Control .

Moreover, Al Sarraj called on authorities in Libya not to take unilateral actions contrary to the instructions approved by the Presidential Council in facing Coronavirus, emphasizing that the state of emergency is only to be declared upon instructions issued by the Presidential Council head, and pursuant to this resolution, the relevant bodies are to implement the specific orders issued for this purpose.

Al sarraj also stressed that citizens must comply with the precautionary measures taken to prevent this epidemic. “Commitment to the instructions issued by the health and security authorities is a national duty.” He added.

“All sectors as well as state organs and capabilities are on alert and devoted to ensure the safety of citizens and foreign residents.” the chairman added.

Nevertheless, as the Libyan Government of National Accord announced the closure of all the country’s land and air ports for three weeks as a preventive measure against the coronavirus, Faiez al Serraj expressed his concern about  seeking urgent solutions to  the Libyan citizens stranded abroad, such as providing all their needs (accommodation, subsistence, and health care) through Libyan Embassies and Consulates abroad.

In order to confront this pandemic and deal with its consequences, Al Sarraj also declared an agreement to reinforce a joint cooperation with the Tunisian president Qais Said.

The Chairman of the Presidential Council called on the legislative, regulatory and economic institutions to assume their historical responsibilities in order to solve every crisis caused by the epidemic as the effects of pandemic went beyond the health aspect to harshly affect the economy.