BEIRUT: 14, JANUARY, 2021: Lebanese people are again facing a new 11-day of 24-hour lockdown after coronavirus infections surge. 

According to the Labanese Health Ministry's statistics, there were 618 patients are in critical condition and 80,386 active cases as of Wednesday morning whereas the number of daily infections reported has not dropped below 4,300 for days. These cases came a week after social gatherings during New Year celebrations.

Doctors have started to check on patients inside ambulances, and ask those who need oxygen to provide it at their own expense, and stay home.

A state of health emergency, a total lockdown and a curfew have been imposed in the country between Jan. 14-25, a period that can be extended to control the coronavirus spread. 

The Lebanese Armed Forces will ensure the enforcement of the lockdown across the country, noting that this is the first time the army has been asked to take part in the measures to limit the spread of the virus.

Under the state of emergency, "the security forces and judicial authorities have the right to strictly enforce the laws that punish the hospitals that refuse to treat urgent cases, including coronavirus cases, punish those who do not abide by the prevention measures, and issue tickets for those who violate these measures and contribute to the spread of the virus." 

The Supreme Defense Council has prohibited people from going onto the streets, with some exceptions for medical personnel, nursing staff, diplomats, travelers and the employees of a number of institutions that require minimum administration. However, food and grocery stores will only be operating through delivery service.

Other than that, the country's land and sea borders will also be closed from today (Thursday), while the airport will be operating at its lowest operational capacity. 

The number of coronavirus cases in Lebanon has reached 231,936 while the death toll rose to 1,740 and 145,873 patients have been recovered fom the deadly virus. (04)