CAIRO — An international aid group said Wednesday that closures aimed at containing the coronavirus pandemic are preventing it from reaching 300,000 people in conflict zones across the Middle East, after authorities in Libya's capital reported the first case in the war-torn country. All have fragile health care systems that could be overwhelmed by an outbreak, and only Yemen has yet to report any cases. The group said virus lockdowns have also limited access to parts of Africa and Asia. “While governments are taking tough and much-needed measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, millions of refugees and displaced people still depend on humanitarian assistance,” said Jan Egeland, head of the aid group. “If supermarkets and pharmacies can remain operational during this crisis, then so should the delivery of humanitarian aid,” he added.

Source: International New York Times March 25, 2020 06:19 UTC