11 Jan 2021 | 11:55 PM UTC
Lebanon: Authorities to impose 24-hour nationwide curfew and tighten COVID-19 restrictions Jan. 14-25 /update 42
Lebanon to impose 24-hour nationwide curfew Jan. 14-25, tighten business and movement restrictions to curb COVID-19.
Event
Authorities in Lebanon plan to tighten the country's existing nationwide lockdown from Jan. 14 as part of ongoing efforts to curb a surge in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. From 0500 Jan. 14 through 0500 Jan. 25, a 24-hour nationwide curfew will enter effect. Vehicular travel will be banned except for travel to and from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY). Residents are instructed to remain at home; essential workers are exempt. All public and private institutions, including commercial banks, will be closed for the duration of the measure; grocery stores and restaurants will be permitted to remain open between the hours of 0500-1700 for delivery services only. BEY will remain operational; however, travelers arriving from Addis Ababa, Cairo, Adana, Istanbul, and Baghdad will be required to quarantine for one week in hotels at their own expense. These travelers must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Lebanon and a second test six days later. Land and maritime borders will be closed to travelers except those carrying a valid transit visa.
Authorities had previously imposed lockdown measures nationwide from Jan. 7 through at least Feb. 1. A nightly curfew is currently in effect 1800-0500; essential workers are exempt. Essential businesses such as grocery stores are permitted to operate between 0500-1700 daily. Restaurants are closed except for delivery services. Government ministries and essential service providers are permitted to work at a maximum of 25-percent capacity. Vehicular travel is restricted according to license plate number. Universities, schools, and nurseries are closed for in-person classes. Violators may face prosecution.
All passengers arriving at BEY must undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test; the total number of travelers at BEY will be reduced to 20 percent of what passenger traffic was in January 2020. The number of travelers permitted to cross through the Masnaa and Aboudieh land border crossings is reduced to 100 each, at a rate of twice a week. Nonresidents traveling to Lebanon are required to have a valid health insurance policy for the duration of their stays. Public transportation has resumed operating nationwide, albeit with social distancing measures and passenger limits in place.
Lebanon’s state of medical emergency has been extended until March 31. The state of emergency grants the government broad powers to implement preventative measures such as curfews and travel restrictions to combat COVID-19. Facemasks are mandatory in public. Violations of the country's social distancing and safety guidelines are punishable by fines. Social gatherings, including weddings and funerals, are allowed both indoors and outdoors. Indoor gatherings are capped at 25 percent of the venue's capacity, with outdoor gatherings limited to 50-percent capacity; the total number of attendees may not exceed 100 people.
Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.
Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
