Middle East

Lebanon confirms eight new COVID-19 infections, total at 886

Lebanon registered six new coronavirus cases among the local population and two among returning expats within the last 24 hours, the Health Ministry reported Thursday.

The total number of people in Lebanon to have been infected by the virus now stands at 886, and 26 people have died as a result of COVID-19.

Lebanon is once again enacting strict containment measures after a recent spike in coronavirus cases. There had been a gradual easing of the restrictions in place to prevent the virus from spreading, including allowing restaurants to operate at 30 percent capacity.

All banks, private organizations, commercial firms, educational institutions, markets and seaside promenades are closed until Monday morning. Driving is banned between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m. during this period and there will be a total driving ban Sunday.

Food stores, petrol stations and home delivery services are operating between 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. during this period.

The lockdown is being carried out so the Health Ministry can conduct more random tests and trace transmissions.

Interior Minister Mohammad Fahmi has told security forces to “suppress violations” of the lockdown.