Lebanon has extended movement restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus an additional two weeks, to now end on May 24.
So far, Lebanon has reported 741 positive cases and 25 people have died from the virus. Restrictions have further exacerbated the country’s deep and long-running financial crisis.
In a five-phase plan to gradually reopen the country, Lebanon has already eased some of the measures imposed on March 15, allowing restaurants to reopen this week with a 30% customer capacity.
It’s also extended opening hours for some commercial and industrial enterprises and is allowing public transport vehicles to operate with limited passengers under specific conditions.
Announcing the extension in movement restrictions today, the country’s Information Minister Manal Abdel-Samad said some are dismissing the measures as if they have ended.
“We have a great fear these days that the epidemic will rapidly spread because of people’s lack of commitment to the measures. Therefore, the security services should strictly implement the measures, otherwise there will be a second wave of corona that is more harmful,” the information minister said.
Why this matters: Cash-strapped Lebanon is facing growing turmoil after the fallout from the coronavirus outbreak sparked violent protests over rising hunger and poverty. The government believes that up to 75% of people are in need of aid.
