Lebanese Govt. Advised to Extend Coronavirus Shutdown until May 24

Arab World

May 5th, 8:32am

Asharq Al-Awsat

An aerial view shows a deserted street in the Lebanese capital Beirut during a nighttime curfew imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus. (AFP)

Lebanon's supreme defense council will advise the government to extend a shutdown to curb the spread of coronavirus by two weeks until May 24, a security source said, according to Reuters, after the council convened on Tuesday. A decision is expected at a cabinet meeting later on Tuesday. Lebanon has recorded 740 cases of the novel coronavirus and 25 deaths. The government has started to ease some restrictions, this week allowing restaurants to open but at only 30% of their capacity. The defense council had laid out a five-stage timetable for reopening the economy, with the first beginning on April 27 and the last on June 8. Lebanon is in the throes of a deep economic crisis that has seen its currency lose more than half its value since October, soaring inflation, and spiralling unemployment. The coronavirus crisis has only compounded the crisis.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2268316/lebanese-govt-advised-extend-coronavirus-shutdown-until-may-24