Lebanon: Curfew enforced as COVID-19 emergency begins

By Riya Shrouti

BEIRUT (AA) - A state of health emergency to stem the spread of coronavirus came into effect in Lebanon on Thursday.

Strict measures are in place until Jan. 25, and include a nationwide day and night curfew, which is being enforced by the armed forces. All public institutions, worship places, universities, schools and seaports are closed.

The Supreme Defense Council also "suspended work at shops, offices, markets, cinemas, museums, theaters and gymnasiums in addition to prohibiting holding public and private parties, events, and gatherings."

People are barred from going outdoors, with exceptions for essential workers as well as diplomats and travelers. Supermarkets are open only for delivery services.

While hospitals are running out of capacity, daily infections reached an all-time high of 5,440 cases on Jan. 8.

Meanwhile, Caretaker Health Minister Hamad Hassan tested positive for COVID-19, and is admitted to a hospital, a statement from the ministry said on Wednesday.

Besides coronavirus, the Arab country is undergoing a number of political, economic and administrative challenges since more than a year. It has so far confirmed 231,936 cases and 1,740 related deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

*Bassel Barakat contributed to this report from Ankara