The Director of Medical Care in the Ministry of Health confirmed that the ministry has been, and still is, alongside private hospitals.
In an interview with Al-Manar TV, Joseph Al-Halou, the Director of Medical Care, explained that some private hospitals have been delayed in preparing specific departments for COVID-19 patients, urging citizens to adhere to the procedures and calling on the state to support and expand hospitals. Al-Halou emphasized that Lebanon has not yet lost control over the coronavirus and that the ministry is capable of assisting people and providing beds, warning that if the state of negligence continues, Lebanon will become an example of the spread of the epidemic.
Al-Halou mentioned that medical teams from hospitals will manage field hospitals that will soon be ready to receive patients. He warned citizens about counterfeit materials in the market related to purchasing oxygen, urging them to buy from authorized agents and calling on people to commit to wearing protective masks (face coverings) to follow the right path.
It is noted that the Syndicate of Importers of Medical Devices and Supplies published a list of names of importers for respiratory devices and oxygen in Lebanon, warning of machines in the market that emit air rather than oxygen, urging citizens to verify the source of the machines and the names of the agents before purchasing.
In a related context, the Governor of Baalbek-Hermel, Bashir Khadr, issued a decision today to close the Nabi Sheet civil registry office for a week after three employees tested positive for COVID-19.
