Minister of Health Firas Abiad confirmed on Sunday that “lockdown decision is being thoroughly studied according to available numbers and data,” saying that the focus is on the duration of this lockdown especially that Lebanon's situation cannot withstand.
He also mentioned that the Ministry has made every effort since the beginning of the festive season to decrease resident mixing in order to avoid adopting this decision, but it was not enough.
“The sharp rise in COVID-19 infections shows Omicron variant spread,” Abiad stressed, adding that while this new wave will be larger in terms of infection numbers, it will recede quickly.
He then pointed out that work is underway on a card that will trace and track pharmaceuticals from the moment they enter Lebanon until they reach the citizen, in order to ensure that each patient gets his medication.
"Chronic diseases’ medicines will be distributed free of charge in health care centers,” the Minister stated.
Regarding President Aoun's request for a dialogue table, Abiad highlighted “the need to separate dialogue and what politicians believe necessary from the worsening living reality, as well as to address the needs of people.”