The first case of the coronavirus variant identified in the UK has been detected in Libya, The National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed Wednesday.

The center said that 23 cases of the UK variant have been discovered in specimens collected from 88 people who tested positive for coronavirus.

The NCDC raised concern that the epidemiological situation is painful and worrying warning residents that the new virus is highly transmissible. "It is likely to fuel a surge of cases especially in light of lack of commitment to precautionary measures in the community." the centre said

It further reiterated the need to continue tracking and studying the variant and to provide the support to do so, calling on the authorities to take all necessary measures to protect public health.

Libya reported 571 new coronavirus cases on Thursday bringing the statewide total to 131833 including 10886 active cases. The death toll amounted to 2156 after five people lost their lives to the Covid-19 Wednesday.

Libya has contracted with the World Health Organization (WHO) to purchase 2.8 million doses. 500 thousand shots will be supplied by "Johnson & Johnson".

According to a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee to confront the Covid-19 Ali al-Muqaddami the vaccine would be available by the end of Mars.