Fellow Lebanese,
A month ago, Coronavirus arrived in Lebanon, and the Lebanese Government had taken preventive measures in advance to fight the spread of the virus in Lebanon.
During an entire month, the government’s measures gradually progressed in correspondence with the developments relating to the spread of the disease in the world, as well as in Lebanon.
These measures were successful in decelerating the spread of this virus within our communities.
Six days ago, the Government declared the state of public conscription, adopting strict measures on all levels, of which closing down the airport, seaports, and land borders, in addition to closing down all gathering points.
Nevertheless, compliance with the gathering ban was unfortunately limited and varied between different regions and sectors.
Over the course of the last six days, the number of infected cases increased, as expected, while the rate gradually rose. However, the increase of infected cases recorded in the last two days, namely since yesterday is accompanied by imminent danger threatening our society as a result of this increase which will usher us into the epidemic phase, as the Ministry of Public Health recorded 67 new cases, thus raising the number of cases to 230, or an increase of 29% at once.
The citizens’ lack of compliance with the adopted measures, which was illustrated in many a region, and confirmed through images circulating on social media platforms, thus indicating a lack of acknowledgment of the risks, has thus led us to confirm the adoption of stricter measures to the Command of the Army, the General Directorate of Internal Security, the General Directorate of General Security, the General Directorate of State Security, and all municipalities and unions of municipalities. Additional measures will be taken in all regions in the scope of citizens’ obligation to remain home, to refrain from leaving their homes except for matters of extreme necessity, as well as banning all kinds of gatherings in public and private spaces alike, and prosecuting any offenders before judiciary authorities.
The Ministry of Interior, the Command of the Army, and all security services will announce the mandatory enforcement plans to protect the health and lives of the Lebanese people. These plans include implementing security patrols and checkpoints on side-roads, main roads, and international roads, as well as imposing compliance with the adopted measures.
My fellow Lebanese,
Coronavirus is waiting on every house’s doorstep, and dealing with this danger should be undertaken with the highest level of awareness and in a conduct that protects our parents and children alike.
My fellow Lebanese,
Today, I am calling upon you to implement an individual restriction to circulation, as the government is unable to face the sprawl of this epidemic alone. This responsibility is an individual, collective, and official responsibility all at once.
My fellow Lebanese,
We are in grave danger, and know that our victory over this danger may only be achieved in the complementarity and collaboration of the efforts between the government, society, and citizens.
Therefore,
And after consulting His Excellency the President of the Republic, I have issued the following decision, comprising:
- Mandating the military and security authorities, and setting forth an additional immediate strategy to enforce the decision of citizens’ home confinement with the possibility to exit their homes in cases of extreme necessity only.
- Increasing surveillance on all things relating to manufacturing, importing, storing, exporting, and distributing items and equipment relative to personal, health, and preventive care and treatment against Corona, as well as preparing a complete itinerary of the available items.
- Identifying the needs of healthcare institutions whether public or private, and the needs of citizens in material, equipment, and items relative to the prevention and treatment of Corona, as well as regulating the prices thereof.
Mothers of Lebanon… If joy is missing on your day of celebration, know that the celebration is in protecting the family, and protecting the health of mothers, grandparents, parents, and children.
My fellow Lebanese,
We are facing very difficult and trying times, so let us cut our losses.
God Almighty says: “And we will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient”.
