Akar: State of Emergency Does Not Apply at Present

Defense Minister Zeina Akar on Monday said the Cabinet took the “maximum” measures at the present moment in relation to the challenges of coronavirus, noting that a state of emergency can “only be declared in specific cases that do not apply at this phase,” al-Joumhouria daily reported on Monday.

The government declared general mobilization on Sunday over the coronavirus crisis and announced a two-week lockdown of the country.

“The Cabinet took the maximum possible measures at the current moment. The level of measures may rise more in the future if things aggravate for the worse, God forbid,” said Akar in remarks to the daily.

“The military and security institution will oversee the implementation of the plan, mainly to prevent crowding in public places similar to what happened yesterday in Manara area,” she added.

Municipal police on Sunday cleared the landmark seaside corniche in Ain el-Mreisseh and Manara areas after scores of people flocked to it for strolling, jogging, swimming, fishing and other activities despite the coronavirus crisis.

The Minister pointed out that some of the decisions issued by the government were “not easy or normal, but were necessary” especially those related to closing the airport, border crossings and legalizing work in some vital sectors within the framework of a preventive plan to confront coronavirus.

Many have criticized the Cabinet’s “weak” response to counter the virus mainly after announcing general mobilization instead of a state of emergency.

Reports said ministers were bickering during their meeting on Sunday disagreeing on whether to impose general mobilization or a state of emergency which gives the Lebanese army the upper hand.