The High Committee for Coronavirus Response said nine Libyan nationals arrived from abroad without being tested for COVID-19, warning the Foreign Ministry that it would stop the evacuation flights if this hazardous behavior was repeated, citing the need to maintain the public safety amid the spread of the pandemic.

The committee in Misrata said the nine persons had been isolated for tests and then they would be sent to their families in their municipality of residence, adding that their passports had been seized and that their arrival in Libya untested for the Coronavirus violated the procedures approved by the government.

"This is a reckless act that jeopardizes people's lives. The airliner and the Libyan consulate in Istanbul are responsible for any repercussions of such a behavior." The committee added.

Meanwhile, the Libyan consul in Istanbul Fathi Al-Sharif said in a statement that he had allowed the nine persons to return to Libya via Misrata Airport as per the orders of the Head of the High Council of State Khalid Al-Mishri.

He added that the nine persons were a family of a martyr and Al-Mishri asked for allowing them to return on the first evacuation flight to attend the burial of the martyr.

"It was an exceptional act as per the orders of an official request by a government body that guaranteed they would be tackled with precautions amid fears of the Coronavirus spread." Al-Sharif explained.