BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Cabinet took its most aggressive stance yet against the novel coronavirus Sunday, declaring a “general mobilization” that effectively places the country on lockdown.

“We are in a health emergency and for that reason, the government is announcing general mobilization until the end of March 29,” Prime Minister Hassan Diab said after an emergency Cabinet session at Baabda Palace Sunday.

Explaining what this means, Information Minister Manal Abdel-Samad said that people in the country must stay at home unless it is “absolutely necessary” to leave. Most public and private institutions will be shuttered, she said.

All land, sea and air borders will also be sealed for all but essential operations from March 18 to March 29.

There are a number of notable exceptions to the measures adopted by Cabinet to stop the spread of the virus, which has infected at least 99 people in the country and killed three.

The airport will remain open for air cargo, diplomats and UNIFIL staff. Food shops will also be allowed to trade during the lockdown – as will pharmacies and other medical institutions. Gas stations will remain open too.

The Cabinet measures also stated that BDL and commercial banks are exempted from closure.

Diab said that the measures decided upon by Cabinet are amongst the most stringent possible.

“The measures that we have adopted are at the highest level that can be adopted constitutionally. This has not happened before in Lebanon’s history,” he said after the Cabinet session.

“The measures will no doubt impact our economy, but the nation’s health is more valuable,” Diab said.

Most restaurants, bars, coffee-shops and malls have already been closed for days in response to the virus’ outbreak.

In a bid to soften the blow on Lebanon’s already crisis-hit economy, President Aoun Saturday called for people to continue working from home while the country goes into self-imposed isolation.

“Let us avoid mingling and commit to staying at home … Everyone is called on to continue working from home in the manner they see fit, so that students continue to learn, workers continue to work, and so that institutions remain as ‘alive’ and active as possible,” Aoun said.

The declaration of a “general mobilization” gives the authorities a legal mandate to impose special measures designed to bring a threat such as coronavirus under control.

The measures that can be introduced give the authorities greater control over transport, movement and communications. They can also enhance the government’s power to regulate energy production and distribution, and the import, export and storage of raw materials.

The Higher Defense Council met earlier Sunday at Baabda Palace to agree on what these measures might include and to advise Cabinet of its options.

The session was chaired by the president and attended by Prime Minister Hassan Diab, a number of ministers, in addition to Army Commander Gen. Joseph Aoun and General Security head Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim.

Members of the ministerial committee for combating the coronavirus, which include the head of the Syndicate for Private Hospitals in Lebanon and the head of Red Cross Lebanon were also present at the meeting.

The first coronavirus case in Lebanon was confirmed on Feb. 21.

The Daily Star