Lebanon on Tuesday extended its so-called “general mobilization” until June 7 while Health Minister Hamad Hassan warned that if the number of COVID-19 infections increases, some regions would be fully isolated.
Also, Prime Minister Hassan Diab appealed to the Lebanese "not to underestimate the pandemic," and asked the security forces to "strictly implement the preventive measures."
Following a cabinet session, Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad said "the number of people infected with the coronavirus is on the rise, and citizens must adhere to wearing masks.”
Lebanon announced 23 new cases, eight of them locally transmitted and the rest among expatriates who have returned home on special flights, taking the tally to 954.
President Michel Aoun had earlier chaired a session for the Higher Defense Council which decided to extend the general mobilization.
“The Prime Minister proposed to extend the general mobilization for an additional two weeks,” said Major General Mahmoud Al-Asmar following the meeting.
The Interior Minister was also tasked to take the appropriate decision regarding the measures that the authorities would implement during Eid al-Fitr.
Lebanon approved on Tuesday the entry of 150 people through the Abboudieh crossing after opening its border with Syria. The Lebanese expatriates were subjected to coronavirus tests and were asked to go on a 14-day home quarantine.
Lebanon first went on lockdown in March.
