Health officials say Libya has seen an unprecedented spike in coronavirus cases amid a slow vaccination programme and concerns about the highly infectious Delta variant, AP reports.

The number of new cases in the oil-rich country has risen more than six times since July 1, according to daily figures from Libya’s National Centre for Disease Control.

“We are facing an unprecedented situation,” said Tareq Gibrael, a senior physician at the centre.

“The constantly rising curve of new cases shows that we are bracing for a third wave, especially now that the Delta variant is spreading in neighbouring countries. We are in a very tough position.”