21 Jan 2021 | 10:49 PM UTC
Lebanon: Authorities extend 24-hour nationwide curfew and coronavirus disease-related restrictions until Feb. 8 /update 43
Lebanon extends the existing 24-hour nationwide curfew and business and movement restrictions until at least 0500 Feb. 8 to curb COVID-19.
Event
Authorities in Lebanon extended the country's existing nationwide lockdown through at least 0500 Feb. 8 as part of ongoing efforts to curb a surge in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. A 24-hour nationwide curfew is in effect for the duration of the lockdown. Vehicular travel is 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, are closed; grocery stores and restaurants are 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 are 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.
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.
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.
