The Designate Minister of Interior Affairs in Lebanon’s government Mohammad Fahmi issued a notice of civil and criminal sanctions that will punish citizens for going against the upcoming lockdown.
Besides the usual monetary civil fines that will be issued to those violating curfew, disciplinary fines, including criminal sanctions, could also be given out to people who are found guilty of spreading COVID-19.
Criminal sanctions carry a charge of up to six months of jail time subject to the court’s discretion and a judge’s ruling.
So, if someone is seen out and about without a face mask on, expect a punitive fine to be issued. People and venues that will carry on with pre-lockdown parties are expected to be penalized.
On January 4th, the Lebanese government announced a total nationwide lockdown of almost a month set to last from January 7th until February 1st, as the last resort to stop the increasing spread of the coronavirus as hospitals were reaching full capacity.
The previous lockdown witnessed a tremendous amount of fines being issued for violations of safety measures, even exceeding the number of coronavirus cases at the time.
Lebanon registered on Wednesday 4,166 new coronavirus cases, a new record of infections for the second day in a row, as well as 21 more deaths on the eve of the 25-day lockdown.
Among the newly recorded cases, nine were among incoming travelers, according to the Health Ministry report, bringing the total number of cases since the virus was first detected in late February to 199,925. The total number of deaths now stands at 1,537.
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.