The Lebanese government decided on Tuesday to extend coronavirus measures as part of the so-called general mobilization for another four weeks as the country announced 33 new infections, bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases to 1,778.
The cabinet, which met under President Michel Aoun at Baabda Palace, approved the recommendations of the Higher Defense Council to extend until Aug. 2 the state of general mobilization, which expires on July 5.
On the security situation, the Council also called on judicial and security agencies to “control and prosecute violators of laws, particularly those who exploit the difficult financial circumstances to make illegal profits on the one hand, and undermine security and public safety on the other.”
On the coronavirus, the Health Ministry indicated that according to available data the pandemic is still widespread in Lebanon.
“Therefore it is necessary to maintain preventive measures and procedures, especially with the decision to reopen Rafik Hariri International Airport, in coordination and cooperation with local authorities, the civil society and security apparatuses,” the Ministry said.
In a statement detailing procedures to be taken with the reopening of the airport on Wednesday, the Ministry said all arrivals must register on its website before taking a PCR test for COVID-19 at the airport and spending several days in quarantine.
Passengers will be tested for upon arrival and asked to go into home quarantine if testing positive.
Social distancing signs have been placed at the airport. Any passenger showing coronavirus symptoms is prohibited from boarding a plane to Lebanon.