Dr. Firas Abiad, head of the Hariri Hospital, confirmed that while Lebanese people are waiting for COVID-19 numbers to improve so they can leave their homes, healthcare workers are waiting for these numbers to improve so they can return to theirs. However, the recent figures have undoubtedly been disappointing for both groups.
Abiad revealed on Twitter that the reported positive test rate dropped to 16% yesterday, which reflected in the daily new cases decreasing. He expressed hope that this trend continues and transforms into a downward pattern. However, he pointed out that the current numbers remain higher than they should be for a safe easing of restrictions.
He noted that yesterday marked the highest daily death toll in Lebanon since the pandemic began, and that the number of deaths in January nearly equaled last year's total, considering that deaths are the heavy price paid when the pandemic escalates due to wrong choices.
Abiad added: "In the meantime, hospitals are not in a better position. Daily tragedies occur in emergency departments, regular wards, and intensive care units, which are unfortunately documented in local and international press. The remaining hospital capacity cannot handle any significant increase in cases."
He questioned whether the poor and vulnerable, or struggling business sectors, can endure another extension of the lockdown, likely concluding that they cannot. The heightened activity observed on the streets indicates that many are defying lockdown measures or finding ways around them, with hunger serving as a strong motivator.
He concluded by stating: "In short, we currently find ourselves between a rock and a hard place. The apparent question is whether to extend or not to extend. In reality, both are two different faces of one bad coin. The only game-changer now is the vaccine and an efficient vaccination campaign. Either that or bankruptcy."
