President Michel Aoun affirmed at the beginning of the Supreme Defense Council meeting in Baabda that the response to the complete lockdown decision was positive, with a high compliance rate despite some violations that need addressing.
The National News Agency reported the President stating, "The number of infections is rising as well as the number of those falling victim to this dangerous pandemic, which necessitates the continuation of procedures and strict enforcement." He emphasized that the compliance with the total lockdown decision was positive, recording a high rate of commitment, notwithstanding some violations that require handling. President Aoun praised the efforts of the medical community in treating COVID-19 patients, commending the work of those doctors, nurses, and caregivers who sacrificed their lives while fulfilling their duties.
For his part, caretaker Prime Minister Dr. Hassan Diab announced at the start of the Supreme Defense Council meeting the "extension of the lockdown until the morning of February 8." He stated, "The measures taken by the government have made Lebanon the second country in the world to implement strict measures to combat this pandemic." Diab affirmed the government's efforts to increase the number of beds for COVID-19 patients in hospitals, noting that the electronic platform for considering special or emergency cases that require exceptions to the total lockdown will continue to operate and examine requests carefully and responsibly.
