Sabha branch of the National Centre for Disease Control was forced to close its laboratory after most of its employees tested positive for Covid-19.

In a statement Monday, the center also referred to suffering technical malfunctions in the laboratory, stressing it is working to address the problem as soon as possible.

It further indicated that it can not issue health papers or receive patients at present, as a result of a lack of staff.

The statement warned that the health situation in the region is very fragile and may implode at any moment due to the limited resources and capacities in the isolating centers in terms of beds, oxygen supplies, respirators, and medical teams.

The center urged citizens to abide by health and safety rules and halt all gatherings and social events until further notice.

Authorities in Sabha last week ordered a complete lockdown upon the recommendations of the anti- coronavirus committee in the region. Sports and cultural activities will halt, weddings, funeral gatherings disallowed for two weeks, while schools were closed for a week.