Hasan Asks for Isolating Jbeil, Keserwan, Warns over Virus Cases Surge

Health Minister Hamad Hasan on Thursday asked Cabinet to isolate the Jbeil and Keserwan regions over a rise in coronavirus cases there and said his request may later include Baabda and Northern Metn should the need arise, TV networks said.

Hasan himself confirmed to reporters that he called for isolating “two regions” but noted that the government did not agree to his request.

“That’s why the Interior Ministry will take stricter measures there,” he added.

“I’m wearing a mask because the danger level has increased,” Hasan said, lamenting that “the level of optimism has dropped.”

“There are six cases of an unknown origin and the reason is community infections,” the minister warned.

“I have asked security forces to be stricter, to the extent of barring people from leaving their homes,” he said.

Lebanon has so far confirmed 149 COVID-19 coronavirus cases among them four deaths.

On Sunday, the government declared a two-week state of “general mobilization,” closing the country’s air, land and sea ports of entry and ordering the closure of all non-essential public and private institutions.

Citizens and residents were meanwhile asked to stay home unless it is extremely necessary to go out.