Lebanon announces 24 hour virus curfew

Lebanese authorities tightened a nationwide lockdown on Monday, including an 11-day, 24-hour curfew, amid a dramatic surge in coronavirus infections and growing criticism of the handling of the virus.

The government declared a "state of health emergency" between January 14th and 25th, that includes a round-the-clock curfew. Lebanon had only just announced a nationwide lockdown last week. But many, including the health minister and officials on a government committee, considered it to be too lenient because it exempted many sectors, such as florists, plant nurseries and factories.

meanwhile, hospitals were running out of beds amid rapidly multiplying COVID-19 cases. Since February, Lebanon has recorded more than 222,000 infections and 1,629 deaths.