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AFP
Baalbek
The worst of the coronavirus pandemic has passed but declaring victory against the disease would be premature, Lebanon’s health minister said Monday, as the country gradually opened up.
“I think the worst-case scenario has passed and is behind us, but at the same time we need to stay alert and we are taking measures in all regions,” Hamad Hassan told AFP.
The country of six million has recorded a remarkably low number of cases and the official death toll is around 10 times lower than some countries with roughly the same population.
According to figures provided by the health ministry, Lebanon has recorded 1,233 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic and only 27 deaths.
After weeks of lockdown, the government announced on Sunday that restrictions would be eased this week, including a curfew which is pushed back from 7:00 pm to midnight.
“It’s still early to announce a victory but we have scored points against the virus and we won’t relinquish our lead,” Hassan said speaking from his home in the city of Baalbek.
The minister and the rest of the government have been widely praised for their handling of the crisis despite the general distrust toward the authorities.
The number of deaths has grown very slowly in recent weeks and, while the lockdown was maintained throughout the holy Muslim fasting of Ramadan, Hassan said Lebanon might even afford to send some of its staff to help other countries.
Baalbek
The worst of the coronavirus pandemic has passed but declaring victory against the disease would be premature, Lebanon’s health minister said Monday, as the country gradually opened up.
“I think the worst-case scenario has passed and is behind us, but at the same time we need to stay alert and we are taking measures in all regions,” Hamad Hassan told AFP.
The country of six million has recorded a remarkably low number of cases and the official death toll is around 10 times lower than some countries with roughly the same population.
According to figures provided by the health ministry, Lebanon has recorded 1,233 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic and only 27 deaths.
After weeks of lockdown, the government announced on Sunday that restrictions would be eased this week, including a curfew which is pushed back from 7:00 pm to midnight.
“It’s still early to announce a victory but we have scored points against the virus and we won’t relinquish our lead,” Hassan said speaking from his home in the city of Baalbek.
The minister and the rest of the government have been widely praised for their handling of the crisis despite the general distrust toward the authorities.
The number of deaths has grown very slowly in recent weeks and, while the lockdown was maintained throughout the holy Muslim fasting of Ramadan, Hassan said Lebanon might even afford to send some of its staff to help other countries.
