Security forces issued 176 fines overnight Friday to Saturday against institutions and individuals in violation of COVID-19 restrictions. (Credit: ISF)
BEIRUT — Some 176 fines were issued against individuals and institutions on New Year’s Eve found to be in violation of preventive measures aimed at curbing the coronavirus’ spread over the holidays, the state-run National News Agency reported Saturday. In addition, 13 clubs, restaurants and pubs were closed for a period of 24 hours, according to the NNA, due to failure to comply with the 50 percent capacity regulation.
Here’s what we know:
• According to the NNA, the fines were issued between Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 6 a.m.
• In a statement issued on Saturday, Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi thanked the Internal Security Forces for the “efforts made to maintain security and order on New Year’s Eve despite the difficult circumstances.”
• In a tweet Saturday, Prime Minister Najib Mikati also thanked the army and security forces’ leadership, officers and individuals for their “work to maintain security despite the harsh conditions they live in.” Mikati added that he appreciates “the extraordinary effort they made on New Year's Eve and their perseverance in implementing the decisions taken to limit the spread of corona.”
• ISF chief Maj. Gen. Imad Othman also issued a statement thanking the army for “the success of the operation to maintain security and order, and the measures implemented by the Internal Security Forces on various Lebanese territories.
• The Health Ministry released regulations in December, aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus over the Christmas season. Since Dec. 10, pubs and restaurants have been prohibited from admitting clients who have not had at least one vaccination dose or a negative PCR test result in the previous 48 hours. The committee also voted to make complete immunization mandatory for all public-sector and tourism-sector personnel.