Lebanon’s lockdown extended amid fears of ‘second wave’ of virus
To keep the coronavirus from spreading, a curfew and other restrictions on movement in Lebanon will continue through at least May 24.
Just as struggling businesses were beginning to reopen, cash-strapped Lebanon has extended its partial lockdown by two weeks.
The country has begun to ease restrictions under a five-part plan, which includes allowing restaurants, hair salons and certain shops to operate at partial capacity. But even as some measures are lifted, Lebanon’s Cabinet decided today the partial lockdown will remain in place.
Since March 15, residents have only been able to leave their homes to buy food and essentials. A strictly enforced overnight curfew bans going outside for any reason between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Information Minister Manal Abdel-Samad warned there could be a second wave of the virus if people don’t adhere to the travel restrictions. “We have a great fear these days that the epidemic will rapidly spread because of people’s lack of commitment to the measures,” she said.
