Fadi Abu Shqra, a representative of fuel distributors in Lebanon, confirmed that gas stations will be included in the gradual reopening decision in the first phase, with car washes and oil services opening in the second phase.
In a call with the National News Agency, Abu Shqra stated that starting next Monday, gas station owners will be able to open their stations 24/7 to facilitate patient transportation and meet citizens' needs, especially during night hours and emergencies. Abu Shqra mentioned that he received a promise from officials to allow car washes and oil services to open in the second phase.
Bassem Taliss, the head of the Federation of Transport Unions in Lebanon, announced yesterday that the public transport sector will be included in the first phase of lifting the general lockdown.
It is noteworthy that caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced yesterday during a meeting of the ministerial committee on the coronavirus that next Sunday is the end of the general lockdown, stating that Monday will not be an ordinary day and emphasizing that the country will partially reopen while continuing to implement strict measures. Diab indicated that there would be a continuation of the closure of some sectors, partial opening of others, and allowing certain sectors to operate under specific conditions.
Diab revealed the four plans adopted to confront the pandemic in the upcoming phase, which begins with the plan to gradually reopen the country, explaining that it is not possible to risk fully opening the country at once. The second plan is the post-lockdown plan, which includes three programs: a program for intensifying PCR testing, a tracing program to contain the virus, and a program to increase hospital capacity.
Additionally, the third plan is the health emergency plan that includes providing respiratory devices to homes, in cooperation between the Lebanese Red Cross and municipalities, while the fourth plan is the national vaccination plan established by the Ministry of Health.
