Jumblat: Lebanon Could Lose Control over Coronavirus

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Progressive Socialist Party leader ex-MP Walid Jumblat on Saturday said Lebanon "could lose control" over the spread of COVID-19 virus if a state of emergency is not declared in light of a “quick” rise in the number of cases.

“According to information the virus is spreading quickly recording 24 new cases today as the result of people not staying at home as demanded,” said Jumblat in a tweet.

“A state of emergency must be declared as other countries are doing. People must be banned from going out at any price otherwise we could lose control,” added Jumblat.

The Health Ministry said in its Saturday report that 24 new cases of coronavirus were registered.

On Friday, heavy traffic and pedestrian movement was witnessed in some impoverished areas of the northern city of Tripoli despite the government’s lockdown order over the coronavirus crisis.

The agency said the majority of people on the streets were not wearing masks or gloves.

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.

SourceNaharnet