BEIRUT – Lebanon is gearing up for a new nationwide lockdown, as officials vowed Monday to take stricter measures against the coronavirus following the holiday season, which saw a large increase in infections and caused jitters in the country's already-battered health sector.
First responders say they have been transporting nearly 100 patients a day while hospitals report near-full occupancy in beds and ICUs.
Nurses say they are overwhelmed, and private hospitals have been roped into the national response despite complaints that the cash-strapped government owes them large sums of outstanding debt. “We are facing a very critical phase and we need exceptional and firm measures as well as strict implementation,” caretaker Prime Minister.