Libya: Haftar spokesman quarantined over virus fears

TRIPOLI, 18 March 2020 [Fik/News Sources]: The spokesperson for Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar was put under quarantine on suspicion of coronavirus, a Dubai-based TV station reported on Wednesday.

According to Al-Arabiya, Ahmed Al-Mismari’s quarantine came after he visited Egypt, which has supported the renegade warlord.

Mismari confirmed this on social media, saying he would be under quarantine for two weeks along with an accompanying delegation.

Since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: Haftar in eastern Libya, supported mainly by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, and the Government of National Accord in Tripoli, which enjoys UN and international recognition.

Worldwide, out of over 197,000 confirmed cases, the death toll now exceeds 7,900, while more than 81,000 patients have recovered, according to Worldometer, a website that compiles new case numbers.

The number of active cases is more than 107,000 – 93% mild and 7% in critical condition, according to the website.

The World Health Organization has declared Europe the new epicenter of the virus, which first emerged in Wuhan, China last December.