The President of the Aley Merchants Association, Samir Shehayeb, expressed astonishment at the unjust decision to keep the commercial sector under strict lockdown until March 8, according to the Lebanese government's general lockdown decisions. This comes after everyone was promised a return to commercial activity, even partially, to address economic, financial, and health crises.
The National News Agency reported Shehayeb's statement clarifying that it is possible to coexist with the COVID-19 pandemic and fight it through awareness, commitment, and organizing opening and closing hours to maintain hope for the sector's continuity. Shehayeb stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation; after the purchasing power of households has significantly declined, the decision for a complete, random lockdown kills the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands dependent on the commercial sector.
Shehayeb revealed in his statement that 65% of commercial establishments in Lebanon are heading towards permanent closure, noting that the general lockdown is misnamed, as it has turned into a purely commercial closure. Losing two months or 15% of annual turnover represents a significant decline that compounds prior losses, undermining the foundations and sustainability of the commercial sector.
Shehayeb emphasized the need to reopen the commercial sector before many other sectors, stating that he does not consider it a site or conduit for the pandemic, highlighting that many exceptions are a supportive environment. He contended that the collapse of the commercial sector would result in a significant failure for the Lebanese economy. On behalf of the Aley Merchants Association, Shehayeb submitted a request to resume commercial activity starting February 15, with organized partial hours, while emphasizing adherence to all provisions of the health protocol set by the relevant authorities, including the implementation of regular PCR testing for employees.
