Lebanon Records 3 COVID-19 Deaths, 147 New Cases on Friday

By Staff, Agencies

Lebanon announced Friday three more COVID-19 deaths and 147 new infections as officials contemplate a partial shutdown to contain the spread of the virus.

The country’s latest figures took the death toll to 46 people with a total of 3,407 cases.

Of the new infections, 119 were found among the local population and 28 among travelers arriving from abroad, according to the Health Ministry’s daily report.

Cases were found among 8,719 PCR tests administered over the last 24 hours which included both locals and passengers arriving in Lebanon.

Health Minister Hamad Hasan warned the day before that Lebanon was at a “dangerous turning point” with the spread of coronavirus, adding that the country was now facing a community outbreak, "which is a negative and discouraging indicator.”

The ministerial committee tasked with combating the virus recommended Friday that the authorities order the closure of certain unnecessary establishments, and ban social events for one week as of Monday.

The committee also recommended that restaurants and cafes operate at 50 percent capacity.

Lebanon has seen a surge in cases since the country’s only international airport reopened almost one month ago. Beirut's airport reopened to tourists July 1 but the recent surge in cases has largely been detected among the local population.