(Credit: Soos Jozsef/Bigstock)
BEIRUT — Public Works and Transport Minister Ali Hamieh announced that "today 91 planes will arrive at Rafic Hariri International Airport carrying expatriates from the countries of the world to Lebanon.”
Here’s what we know:
• Hamieh indicated that the number of planes that arrived in Lebanon yesterday was 66. "Despite all the sufferings of the country, it is still and will remain the destination of its expatriates," he said.
• These arrivals come as Lebanon is witnessing an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, with 1994 cases recorded on Dec. 14. Officials have warned of a looming health catastrophe and country-wide lockdown if cases continue to increase.
• In January 2020, hospitals in Beirut were operating at full capacity and were no longer able to accept COVID-19 patients as case numbers surged following the holidays.
• The health committee announced new measures at the beginning of the month to curb the coronavirus’ spread over the holiday season. A curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m will be imposed between Dec. 17 and Jan. 9 on anyone who has not gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose or a negative PCR test in the previous 48 hours.
• Separately, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport announced new measures for passengers arriving at the Beirut international airport beginning Jan. 1. From that date, passengers arriving in Lebanon must register on the health ministry’s online portal, where they will submit vaccination and PCR data to receive a health pass that permits them to board a flight to Beirut.