Lebanon: Lockdowns imposed 30 July to August 3 and August 6 to August 10 /update 28

Event

The government of Lebanon will impose nationwide lockdowns from Thursday, 30 July, until Monday, 3 August, and from 6 August until 10 August, in an attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Hotels, food, pharmaceutical, and medical facilities are permitted to remain open, but may operate at reduced hours or choose to shut. Delivery and take away food services will only be available from 06:00-20:00 (local time).

Lebanese authorities reimposed some COVID-19 preventative measures as of Tuesday, July 28, amid a recent spike in cases across the country. The measures will be in effect through August 10, and will include the closure of many nonessential businesses. Essential businesses, including grocery stores, gas stations, banks, and schools will be open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only with a near-total lockdown in place from Thursdays until Mondays. Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), along with land crossings with Syria, as well as seaports will be kept open, as will hospitals, industrial and agricultural firms, and critical government functions. 

Public gatherings remain banned and cultural venues will not reopen. Social distancing measures should be observed in public. Fabric masks covering the mouth and nose must be worn when outside the home and in vehicles (unless traveling alone, or exercising). 

As of Wednesday, July 29, authorities have confirmed 4205 cases of COVID-19 and 55 associated deaths in Lebanon. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.