The Presidency of the Government has issued an update on the strategy for combating the coronavirus and the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, stating that the reduction of imposed restrictions on sectors and individual movement will take place over four phases.
On February 8, some urgent productive sectors will open, and the general closure will continue, meaning that the curfew will remain in effect 24/7, and leaving home will require permission granted from the official platform.
According to the announcement, the opening of sectors will occur in four phases, each lasting 15 days.
In the first phase: supermarkets and mini-markets will open while maintaining delivery services. Going to the supermarket will require a two-hour permit, and for this purpose, a "QR code" mechanism will be activated, which must be scanned upon entering and exiting. A notification will be sent to citizens 15 minutes before the designated shopping time ends, reminding them to hurry.
Also in this phase, industries related to agriculture, poultry, livestock, and milk production will open, requiring employees to undergo PCR testing every 14 days. Banks will open at 20% of their capacity.
In the second phase: the following sectors will be added:
Car dealerships and repair services, laundries, buses, construction works, and licensed factories at 40% capacity. No citizen over the age of 60 will be allowed to work, and routine PCR tests will be necessary.
In the third phase: all types of trade that were not previously opened will be allowed, and banks and factories will operate at 50% capacity. The prohibition on citizens over 60 years old will remain in effect, and employees will undergo PCR testing every 30 days.
In the fourth and final phase, restaurants, Casino Lebanon, tourist sites, historical sites, indoor swimming pools, beaches, sports clubs, and gaming centers will open, allowing all sectors to resume work, including those over 60 years old.
Regarding the education and childcare sector, the committee recommends not opening during the first phase, and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education will coordinate with the Ministry of Public Health and relevant health authorities to study the available data and develop a mechanism for reopening this sector.
