Director of Rafic Hariri University Hospital Dr. Firas Abiad said on Wednesday that Coronavirus in Lebanon will be consequential in the coming 2 months.
“Currently, numbers are the lowest seen in months, a large portion of the population has acquired some immunity from contracting the virus, and the vaccination campaign is underway. Yet, the situation can change,” he said in a series of tweets.
Abiad stressed that the Indian variant is spreading in many countries, adding that “it is 50% more infectious than the British variant that arrived in Lebanon at the end of last year as expats were returning for the holidays.”
“Increased activities then helped fuel the spread of the virus with catastrophic results,” he added.
He also noted that similar circumstances are occurring now, adding that the control at the airport is not strict and the compliance of the majority of people with measures limiting the spread is low.
“At the same time, small and large gatherings, inside and outside, are being noted more frequently,” he went on by saying.
“Will our immunity save us? The post-infection acquired immunity fades usually after 6 months. High level protection with vaccines is achieved after 2 doses. Currently, only 5% of the population have received that. Yet, the vaccination drive is picking up, more is on the way,” Abiad explained.
He noted that the logistics effort to distribute 750,000 vaccine shots in one month will be demanding.
“Even if achieved, it takes time for the vaccines to provide the needed protection. In the UK, where a much higher level of vaccination has been achieved, the Indian variant is spreading,” he added.
“That is why the next 2 months will be crucial. The vaccination has to be faster than the spread of a very contagious strain,” he warned.
Abiad stressed that that low Coronavirus numbers are being used as an excuse to ignore precautions.
“This will only benefit the virus. Note: God helps those who help themselves,” he concluded by saying.
The Health Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that 323 new Coronavirus cases were registered in the country during the past 24 hours with 6 new deaths.