The Lebanese authorities have tightened restrictions on two Lebanese towns, which have recently seen a surge in the number of COVID-19 infections.
Strict measures were imposed in the eastern Bekaa region of Majdal Anjar, while a state of emergency was declared in the town of Mazboud in Mount Lebanon.
On Friday, the Health Ministry announced 62 new cases, including three among repatriated nationals, making the total number of infections reach 1,086 by noon.
Health Minister Hamad Hassan conducted a visit to Majdal Anjar, where 32 new cases were reported on Friday.
Security forces blocked 21 entrances to the town, and prevented access to it, except for medics, pharmacists and providers of food and agricultural materials.
“If we don’t show a high degree of responsibility, then there is no doubt that the coronavirus will be disastrous. Overcrowding and social mixing cause a rapid spread of infection,” Hassan said during a conference at the town’s municipality.
In Mount Lebanon, the results of the PCR tests for a number of residents of Mazboud confirmed 15 new cases.
In response, the crisis cell in the municipality announced a state of public emergency in the town, which was completely isolated to help contain the epidemic and limit its spread.
The health minister underlined the need to implement the intervention plan that his ministry put in place to confront the surge in COVID-19 infections, by coordinating the efforts with the various ministries, institutions and relevant authorities.
