Lebanon has slowly started lifting its lockdown last week which was part of a long-term plan constituting 5 different stages, aimed at slowly easing restrictions rather than lifting the lockdown all at once.

This decision was made based on data that have documented major success in Lebanon regarding flattening the curve, documenting a number as low as one case per day.

Unfortunately, that didn’t last long. As restrictions were eased, COVID-19 infected cases have been on the rise “because some people have not complied with the guidelines” said Prime Minister Hassan Diab.

Accordingly, the Lebanese government have declared a 4-day shut down from the 14^th of May to the 17^th of May in order to re-assess its strategy to gradually reopen the country.

That being said, Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Bizri, a disease specialist has stated that ““The full-closure step is worthless if the government doesn’t come up with a plan by Monday to contain the epidemic.”  Therefore, it is on the Lebanon people to act responsibly and try to minimize the damage.  

By: Lana Fadel

Picture source: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/coronavirus-pandemic-covid-19-lockdown-concept-background-design_7464863.htm#page=1&query=lockdown&position=10