Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced in a statement new procedures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, insisting that “Lebanon was one of the first countries to take measures regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19).”
“We followed all the cases and voices attacking the government, especially when we announced the suspensions of schools. We have taken strict measures from the start, whether with Beirut International Airport or other precautionary measures.”
Diab explained, “We are facing a disease that is spreading in most countries in the world, and the government has not lagged behind any measures to protect the Lebanese.”
“In order to preserve the public health, I asked the public administrations and municipalities to set an alternate schedule with a minimum number of employees on duty.”
The prime minister added, “I requested that all measures be taken to prevent public and private gatherings, and I also asked employers in all sectors to take measures to protect the work environment.”
He announced that he has requested the cessation of flights from all countries experiencing an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), all flights from Italy, China, Iran, and South Korea.
Lebanon is giving a 4-day deadline for Lebanese nationals in these countries who wish to return to Lebanon, as well as people on diplomatic missions and UNIFIL.
Diab pointed out that “the follow-up committee follows up on monitoring all cases and submits recommendations based on every new coronavirus situation as well as the extent of the spread of the virus. The committee makes recommendations based on what is new accordingly.”
“All international standards are being applied,” the Lebanese prime minister confirmed, adding that “there are hospitals in each governorate that are ready to receive patients infected with COVID-19.”
“The number of hospitals in this framework will increase and the Lebanese security forces will follow up on the application of procedures related to COVID-19,” Diab concluded.