Head of the Internal Security Forces department Colonel Joseph Moussalem told LBCI news on Monday that 7000 fines were given so far for breaches of the coronavirus lockdown.
Moussalem’s statement was made during an interview with LBCI’s ‘Nharkom Saiid’ TV show whereby he noted that that the security forces are implementing the lockdown measures firmly, specifically in terms of fining residents who go against the imposed curfew.
Moussalem stressed that there should be a great commitment from Lebanese citizens to implement the safety measures and respect the lockdown, which started on Saturday as the second full lockdown since the virus was first detected in February.
Streets around Lebanon looked completely empty on Sunday as no cars are allowed to drive on that day. However, the Internal Security Forces (ISF) reported that the lockdown was not fully respected by some people who were consequently fined. The ISF said it issued 3,945 fines on Saturday alone, the first day of the lockdown.
A restaurant in the Ashrafieh neighborhood of Beirut was also fined Sunday for opening its doors and shipping deliveries, the ISF said.
Restaurants, while allowed to send out food deliveries during the week, are banned from opening up on Sundays, according to the Interior Ministry guidelines for this lockdown period.
Lebanon’s total registered coronavirus cases topped 100,000 this week. Daily cases have consistently exceeded the 1,000 mark over the last month.
Authorities hope that the upcoming lockdown will slow the spread of the virus and relieve weary hospitals and medical staff who are under immense pressure as ICUs reach capacity.
Get the latest news and updates about the coronavirus outbreak in Lebanon along with a live monitor of cases in Lebanon as well as resources and information to help you guide the outbreak on our dedicated coronavirus page.