What's the government response timeline for Lebanon?

RHUH reference lab can as of yesterday perform the diagnosis for novel coronavirus WHO Lebanon Daily Brief on Novel Coronavirus 08 February 2020 11 February 2020 http://www.emro.who.int/images/stories/lebanon/documents/ncov-daily-brief-8-february-2020.pdf?ua=1 http://www.emro.who.int/images/stories/lebanon/documents/ncov-daily-brief-11-february-2020.pdf?ua=1

can't archive link at this time: https://www.moph.gov.lb/en/Pages/127/29376/monitoring-of-covid-19-#/en/Pages/127/25295/statement-the-ministry-of-public-health-the-measures-the-people-coming-from-china- Screening passengers from China from February 8th, 2020

Government Decree issued on 13th Feb 2020: www.pcm.gov.lb (In Arabic)

Feb 21: first case confirmed. "He then urged people to pay attention to cleanliness and to wash their hands frequently, saying that If any symptoms of the virus manifest, the following number should be called: 76/592699. “Schools and other social centers must take precautionary measures to prevent infection; there’s no need so far to announce a state of emergency,” Minister Hasan concluded." https://www.the961.com/first-coronavirus-case-confirmed-in-lebanon/

Lebanon halts entry for travellers from coronavirus hubs https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200228-lebanon-halts-entry-for-travellers-from-coronavirus-hubs/

"In the interest of the health of students and their families ... the minister of education Dr. Tarek Majzoub requests all educational institutions including kindergartens, schools, high schools, vocational institutions and universities to close". The initial order was set until Mar 8, but was extended multiple times, as the closure is expected by reports (as of early May) to last until June. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-lebanon-education-idUSKCN20M341 https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/d/lebanon-news/505734/committee-extends-closure-of-schools-universities/en

"All Gyms, Cinemas, Theaters in Lebanon Ordered to Shut Down Due to Coronavirus" https://www.the961.com/breaking-all-gyms-cinemas-theaters-in-lebanon-ordered-to-shut-down-due-to-coronavirus/

I could not find a specific date for an official public campaign beginning, but given that on Mar 6 the Health Minister stated "Lebanon is no longer in Coronavirus containment stage", and that on the same day the first domestic restrictions got into place, this seems like the proper time point. https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/d/news-bulletin-reports/505703/health-minister-hassan-lebanon-is-no-longer-in-cor/en

"Last Wednesday, the government officially banned flights from Iran, Italy, China and South Korea, and gave Lebanese citizens and their families in France, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom four days to return before halting travel to and from those countries." https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200316-lebanon-declares-state-of-emergency-over-coronavirus-fears/

"Except for situations of “extreme necessity”, citizens may not leave their homes or gather in “public and private places,” Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad said, speaking after a four-hour emergency government meeting" https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/coronavirus-lebanon-goes-into-lockdown-to-contain-outbreak-1.992921

"Except for situations of “extreme necessity”, citizens may not leave their homes or gather in “public and private places,” Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad said, speaking after a four-hour emergency government meeting" https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/coronavirus-lebanon-goes-into-lockdown-to-contain-outbreak-1.992921

No reference to intercity travel, but a stay-at-home order which acts in practice also as a restriction for internal movement. "Except for situations of “extreme necessity”, citizens may not leave their homes or gather in “public and private places,” Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad said, speaking after a four-hour emergency government meeting" https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/coronavirus-lebanon-goes-into-lockdown-to-contain-outbreak-1.992921

"Rafic Hariri International Airport in the capital, Beirut, as well as the country's land borders with Syria and its seaports, will be closed to all travellers as of Wednesday, Minister of Information Manal Abdel-Samad said on Sunday after an hours-long emergency cabinet session." https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/lebanon-shut-airport-restrict-movement-coronavirus-200316101635705.html

"Residents were ordered to stay in their homes except for urgent trips, though no curfew was announced. Banks and businesses related to food supplies were exempted from closure orders but were told to operate to the “minimum extent necessary to secure the workflow”." https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200316-lebanon-declares-state-of-emergency-over-coronavirus-fears/

Declared state of emergency. "Residents were ordered to stay in their homes except for urgent trips, though no curfew was announced. Banks and businesses related to food supplies were exempted from closure orders but were told to operate to the “minimum extent necessary to secure the workflow”." https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200316-lebanon-declares-state-of-emergency-over-coronavirus-fears/

I could not find specific references to gatherings, but given the lockdown and order to stay at home beginning March 18, it prevents in practice gatherings. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200316-lebanon-declares-state-of-emergency-over-coronavirus-fears/

I could not find specific references to the status of public transport, but given that on Mar 18 a lockdown was enacted, the understanding is that access to public transportation is very limited from that point onwards. "Residents were ordered to stay in their homes except for urgent trips, though no curfew was announced. Banks and businesses related to food supplies were exempted from closure orders but were told to operate to the “minimum extent necessary to secure the workflow”." https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200316-lebanon-declares-state-of-emergency-over-coronavirus-fears/

"Residents were ordered to stay in their homes except for urgent trips, though no curfew was announced. " https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200316-lebanon-declares-state-of-emergency-over-coronavirus-fears/

Modest planned payment announced for low-income families, not specifically for formal or informal workers, however, later was delayed, does not appear to have started as of 14/4/20. "The cabinet announced that it would distribute 400,000 Lebanese pounds (about US$150 at current market rates) to the poorest families". /web/20200611013311/ https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/04/08/lebanon-direct-covid-19-assistance-hardest-hit

No income support. /web/20200611013630/ https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-lebanon-poverty/coronavirus-compounds-lebanons-woes-many-struggle-for-food-idUKKBN21K1RQ

Extension of deadlines for paying taxes and utility bills, banks are allowed to extend 5yr no interest loans./web/20200611013320/ https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/04/08/lebanon-direct-covid-19-assistance-hardest-hit

Previously announced financial assistance payments have not commenced with an indefinite delay./web/20200611013959/ https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/4/14/aid-to-vulnerable-families-delayed-in-cash-strapped-lebanon

According to the new exit strategy, school are expected to return gradually on two steps, first being May 25 (for students who have IB exams), and second being June 8th. https://www.the961.com/reopen-lebanon-plan/

Exit plan expected to start on April 27th, "which will allow some factories, government companies, delivery stores, hotels, sweet shops, etc to open back and start operating again". https://www.the961.com/reopen-lebanon-plan/

In the reports of Lebanon's 5-phase exit strategy, public transportation is mentioned to be included only in phase 5, starting June 8: "Finally, on June 8th, schools will reopen, as well as technical schools, public transportation, travel, nightclubs (capacity 50%), gyms, beaches, museums, theaters, etc.". https://www.the961.com/reopen-lebanon-plan/.

Al Manar, April 25: "In a press briefing following a lengthy cabinet session at Baabda Presidential session, Abdel Samad said that the first phase begins on April 27, noting that the most priority and the least dangerous economic activities will resume in this stage. This phase involves the reopening of the food and agriculture sectors, small and retail shops, sweets shops, hotels, some factories and the electricity and water sectors, the minister added, according to Local media. The second phase begins on May 4 and will see the reopening of the remaining factories, restaurants and cafes (30% capacity, no shisha), children parks, outdoors sports courts, barber and hairdressing shops and car repair shops, a cabinet decree said." https://english.almanar.com.lb/1010880

Lebanon opened restaurants, barbers and seaside promenades /web/20200520081342/ https://www.arabnews.com/node/1669066/middle-east

Gradual lifting of restrictions /web/20200520081342/ https://www.arabnews.com/node/1669066/middle-east

After a spike in cases, Lebanon shut down the country for 4 days /web/20200520081907/ https://www.arabnews.com/node/1673676/middle-east

Lebanon reimposes curfews during its 4 day lockdown /web/20200520081907/ https://www.arabnews.com/node/1673676/middle-east

Lebanon resumes reopening strategy after shutdown /web/20200520082351/ https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-lebanon/lebanon-to-resume-economic-re-opening-from-monday-after-coronavirus-shutdown-idUSL8N2CZ0I4

Prime Minister urges Lebanese people to show restraint and be responsible as lockdown is lifted /web/20200520090925/ https://www.arabnews.com/node/1676656/middle-east

Phased re-opening of schools from 28/5 - some students returning to classes, others (years 1 - 9) will continue distance learning. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/education/lebanon-education-to-resume-on-may-28/1833874

Multiple recent changes to lockdown measures, with initial easing followed by reinstating of stricter measures. Currently appears that some sectors are required to close until at least 7/6. Lebanon’s Higher Defense Council recommended a two-week extension of the country’s lockdown on Tuesday, amid a continued spike of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections in the country, which, if approved by the Cabinet on Thursday, would see the lockdown set to end on June 7. /web/20200608220355/ https://www.arabnews.com/node/1677136/middle-east

"Lebanon's airport is expected to reopen on June 21, the country's public works and transport minister said on Sunday, pushing back a previously set reopening on June 8." alaraby

Lebanon has a mixed approach to testing with symptomatic and eligible ppl able to access testing + population level random testing of ppl without symptoms or eligibility to attempt to estimate the population level of infection. /web/20200608224645/ https://www.executive-magazine.com/economics-policy/healthcare/coronavirus/testing-for-covid-19-in-lebanon On April 20, the Ministry of Public Health began population screening or what they called “random testing” (though it is not so random, see below) in different areas of Lebanon. "

The Cabinet Office said on Tuesday that all public-sector employees should return to their workplaces while “taking the necessary measures to prevent coronavirus.”Link: https://www.arabnews.com/node/1687271/middle-east

Lebanon has announced that it will reopen Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut in early July. Prime Minister Hassan Diab said during a meeting of the tourism sector’s representatives on Tuesday: “We will work to resume flights to the Arabian Gulf region, and we will focus on countries conducting PCR tests to detect coronavirus infections.”Link: https://www.arabnews.com/node/1687271/middle-east

Authorities in Lebanon announced that nightclubs, public parks, and flea markets will be permitted to reopen nationwide beginning June 21 amid a gradual easing of restrictions related to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Cinemas, theaters, and playgrounds will remain closed at this stage. web/20200709165814/ https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-lebanon-plans-reopen-nightclubs-public-parks-flea-markets-beginning-june-21

Authorities plan to resume commercial flights at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) beginning July 1 but with a reduced operating capacity of 10 percent compared to that of July 2019. Private flights to and from BEY are scheduled to resume June 24. Passengers will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival and notified of their test result within 24 hours. In the event of a positive test result, affected travelers will be required to self-quarantine in accordance with instructions from the Ministry of Health. Non-residents traveling to Lebanon are required to have a valid health insurance policy for the duration of their trip. Passenger travel at BEY, regional airports, and all seaports was initially suspended March 18. It is unclear if regional airports and seaports will also resume passenger travel July 1. web/20200709165814/ https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-lebanon-plans-reopen-nightclubs-public-parks-flea-markets-beginning-june-21

Collection of Charge for PCR Test for Guests Travelling to Beirut. /web/20200709172925/ https://www.etihadhub.com/en-ae/news-list/general_news/pcr-test-fee-for-lebanon

unable to locate specific policy related to limits on private gatherings.

"Authorities previously lifted vehicular movement restrictions and allowed public transportation to resume nationwide, albeit with social-distancing measures and passenger limits in place. "

Public places are opening as restrictions are eased; no recommendation on people staying at home. "Residents are required to wear protective face coverings when in public. Individuals and businesses that violate the country's social distancing and safety guidelines will face a fine." https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-lebanon-extends-nationwide-lockdown-until-august-2

"Authorities previously lifted vehicular movement restrictions and allowed public transportation to resume nationwide, albeit with social-distancing measures and passenger limits in place. " https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-lebanon-extends-nationwide-lockdown-until-august-2

"Commercial flights at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) resumed July 1, albeit with a reduced operating capacity of 10 percent compared to July 2019. Private flights to and from BEY resumed June 24. Passengers will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival and notified of their test result within 24 hours. In the event of a positive test result, affected travelers will need to self-quarantine per instructions from the Ministry of Health. Nonresidents traveling to Lebanon are required to have a valid health insurance policy for the duration of their trip." https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-lebanon-announces-isolation-town-chehour-3-days-july-23

"Officials in Lebanon announced July 23, the decision to isolate the town of Chehour, located in the country's southern Tyre District, for three days following an increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Authorities will close places of worship, sports clubs, barbershops, cafes, and parks". https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-lebanon-announces-isolation-town-chehour-3-days-july-23

"Officials in Lebanon announced July 23, the decision to isolate the town of Chehour, located in the country's southern Tyre District, for three days following an increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Authorities will close places of worship, sports clubs, barbershops, cafes, and parks". https://www.worldaware.com/covid-19-alert-lebanon-announces-isolation-town-chehour-3-days-july-23

"The Lebanese government on July 28 announced new measures in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Lebanon. These measures include two weeks of increased restrictions such as the closure of many businesses until August 10, including bars, parks, beaches, and markets. Religious services and public events and gatherings will also be prohibited during this period. Essential businesses will remain open, and restaurants and cafes will be allowed to operate with 50 percent capacity. A “full lockdown” will be in force from July 30 to August 3 and from August 6 to August 10, which will entail the closure of most businesses and private institutions. Public entities in the transport, healthcare, security, and industrial sectors will remain open." https://lb.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

"The Lebanese government on July 28 announced new measures in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Lebanon. These measures include two weeks of increased restrictions such as the closure of many businesses until August 10, including bars, parks, beaches, and markets. Religious services and public events and gatherings will also be prohibited during this period. Essential businesses will remain open, and restaurants and cafes will be allowed to operate with 50 percent capacity. A “full lockdown” will be in force from July 30 to August 3 and from August 6 to August 10, which will entail the closure of most businesses and private institutions. Public entities in the transport, healthcare, security, and industrial sectors will remain open." https://lb.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

"The Lebanese government on July 28 announced new measures in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Lebanon. These measures include two weeks of increased restrictions such as the closure of many businesses until August 10, including bars, parks, beaches, and markets. Religious services and public events and gatherings will also be prohibited during this period. Essential businesses will remain open, and restaurants and cafes will be allowed to operate with 50 percent capacity. A “full lockdown” will be in force from July 30 to August 3 and from August 6 to August 10, which will entail the closure of most businesses and private institutions. Public entities in the transport, healthcare, security, and industrial sectors will remain open." https://lb.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

From 30th July 2020, the Lebanese government reinstated a full lockdown for two weeks, which includes requiring people over the age of 65 to stay at home and avoid social activity. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1711516/middle-east

After July 31st, all travellers to Lebanon must show a negative PCR test taken within 4 days of travel. Travellers from countries with low infection rates must take PCR test on arrival and quarantine in designated hotels awaiting result. 72 hours after arrival, they are required to take a further PCR test and use a tracking application. https://lb.usembassy.gov/health-alert-u-s-embassy-beirut-lebanon-july-29-2020/

From 30th July till 3rd August (and again from 6th August till 10th August), a full lockdown will be enforced. This will entail the closure of bars, parks, beaches and markets. Essential businesses will remain open, and restaurants and cafes will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity. There will be a three-day gap during the two-week lockdown. https://lb.usembassy.gov/health-alert-u-s-embassy-beirut-lebanon-july-29-2020/

The Lebanese government on July 28 announced new measures in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Lebanon. These measures include two weeks of increased restrictions such as the closure of many businesses until August 10, including bars, parks, beaches, and markets. Religious services and public events and gatherings will also be prohibited during this period. Essential businesses will remain open, and restaurants and cafes will be allowed to operate with 50 percent capacity. A “full lockdown” will be in force from July 30 to August 3 and from August 6 to August 10, which will entail the closure of most businesses and private institutions. Public entities in the transport, healthcare, security, and industrial sectors will remain open. https://lb.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

The Lebanese government on July 28 announced new measures in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Lebanon. These measures include two weeks of increased restrictions such as the closure of many businesses until August 10, including bars, parks, beaches, and markets. Religious services and public events and gatherings will also be prohibited during this period. Essential businesses will remain open, and restaurants and cafes will be allowed to operate with 50 percent capacity. A “full lockdown” will be in force from July 30 to August 3 and from August 6 to August 10, which will entail the closure of most businesses and private institutions. Public entities in the transport, healthcare, security, and industrial sectors will remain open. https://lb.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

The Lebanese government on July 28 announced new measures in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Lebanon. These measures include two weeks of increased restrictions such as the closure of many businesses until August 10, including bars, parks, beaches, and markets. Religious services and public events and gatherings will also be prohibited during this period. Essential businesses will remain open, and restaurants and cafes will be allowed to operate with 50 percent capacity. A “full lockdown” will be in force from July 30 to August 3 and from August 6 to August 10, which will entail the closure of most businesses and private institutions. Public entities in the transport, healthcare, security, and industrial sectors will remain open. https://lb.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

No clear information was found about the policies after the full lockdown ended on August 10th.

No clear information was found about the policies after the full lockdown ended on August 10th.

No clear information was found about the policies after the full lockdown ended on August 10th.

No clear information was found about the policies after the full lockdown ended on August 10th.

Most Lebanese schools appear to remain shut, in light of a news report stating that they are likely to reopen in late September https://www.arabnews.com/node/1723551/middle-east

All Covid-19 related restrictions appear to have been lifted after the tragedy of the Port of Beirut explosion. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

All Covid-19 related restrictions appear to have been lifted after the tragedy of the Port of Beirut explosion. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

All Covid-19 related restrictions appear to have been lifted after the tragedy of the Port of Beirut explosion. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

All Covid-19 related restrictions appear to have been lifted after the tragedy of the Port of Beirut explosion. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

All Covid-19 related restrictions appear to have been lifted after the tragedy of the Port of Beirut explosion. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

All Covid-19 related restrictions appear to have been lifted after the tragedy of the Port of Beirut explosion. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

All Covid-19 related restrictions appear to have been lifted after the tragedy of the Port of Beirut explosion. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

From 21st August 2020, malls, gyms and restaurants will be closed, although restaurants will be permitted to make deliveries 0600-1800. Grocery stores will be allowed to operate from 0600-1700. https://lb.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

From 21st August, all public events are banned. 2020 https://lb.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

From 21st August 2020, Lebanon has reinstated a nationwide curfew from 1800-0600 daily. https://lb.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

From 21st August 2020, Lebanon has reinstated a nationwide curfew from 1800-0600 daily, during which internal movement will also be restricted (with the exception of travelling to and from the airport). https://lb.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/