The Libyan Government of National Accord announced Saturday the closure of all the country’s land and air ports for three weeks as a preventive measure against the coronavirus.

Although no coronavirus cases were recorded in Libya, Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj declared a state of emergency to prevent the disease and ordered the closure of the land and air ports as of Monday, March 16.

In an address to the nation, Sarraj also said that schools and universities would be closed for two weeks.

“All sports events will be cancelled and wedding halls will be closed,” he stated.

According to Sarraj’s orders, Shisha (waterpipe smoking) cafés will be also closed while other cafés that follow health standards will be allowed to open until 4 pm.

Sarraj instructed the Awqaf Authority to urge citizens to perform the daily five prayers at home until the danger of the disease fades away.

“State workers are advised to take their annual leave,” he said.

The Government of National Accord allocated half a billion dinars to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Libya.

Meanwhile, Libyan authorities closed Saturday Wazin-Dahiba border with Tunisia over coronavirus concerns.

Misrata Airport also banned the entry of foreigners into Libya as a preventative measure due to the outbreak of coronavirus in many world countries.