Hassan Says ‘Self-Quarantine’ is Necessary to Control Virus

Health Minister Hamad Hassan on Saturday stressed the necessity for self-quarantine to reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus or spreading it to others.

In remarks he made to VDL (100.5) radio station, Hassan said: “Home quarantine is necessary and the latest indicators that came out yesterday are good indicators.”

The Minister said that several government hospitals are being “equipped” and will be used as isolation units for ill people who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus and are now a danger to family and visitors.

“The plan we are taking is well thought out,” he added.

He noted that the government’s Rafik Hariri University Hospital is only dedicated for “suspected cases.”

Lebanese have criticized the government's response against the virus mainly its failure to halt flights from countries highly infected with the disease like Italy and Iran.

Number of coronavirus cases in Lebanon rose to 93 on Saturday.

According to a statement issued by the health ministry on Friday, one of its employees in the central administration has tested positive for the virus and that she contracted it from a relative who had been infected.