Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea threatened on Friday to sue Prime Minister Hassan Diab if the government fails to take the necessary measures to counter the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
In a televised address, he said Lebanon was one of the countries most at risk from the new virus.
“It is not an example in how to fight the virus, but it is in the top half of the countries that are affected by the outbreak,” he added.
“The government has not taken all required precautions,” he continued. He have the example how the first diagnosed patient had arrived to Lebanon onboard a plane carrying 200 passengers, all of whom went home.
“We know that the incubation period of the virus can last up to 21 days,” Geagea remarked.
The government has failed to limit the spread of the virus, he charged, saying it should have shut land, air and sea borders.
The entire country must be put on lockdown because it lacks sufficient medical equipment and medicine to treat patients, he warned.
The government should have taken preventative, not treatment measures, he went on to say.
“If the situation persists and the government fails to assume its duties, then we will sue the prime minister and health minister,” Geagea said.
Lebanon has registered 93 cases of the virus.
Former deputy PM Ghassan Hasbani said the government appears to be basing its decisions on political considerations, citing its hesitation in halting flights from Iran.
The government has been late in taking precautions, he added.
The cabinet on Friday decided to shut Lebanon’s border with Syria starting Monday in order to prevent the spread of the disease. Syrian authorities have been informed of the closure, which will last one week.
