Hasan: Crucial Week ahead, Coronavirus Patients Weren't Brought from Iran

Health Minister Hamad Hasan on Monday denied reports claiming that people infected with coronavirus were flown in to Lebanon from Iran, adding that the next ten days of lockdown are very critical to decide on the next measures against the virus spread.

“Precautionary measures against coronavirus are very important but there no need to panic,” Hasan said in remarks to al-Jadeed TV as the country witnesses a two week lockdown.

On claims that fifty patients infected with coronavirus were flown into Lebanon from Iran for treatment over the weekend, he said: “There is no truth to these reports.”

A video recording circulated on social media showing a convoy of ambulances on the airport road. It said the vehicles were allegedly transporting coronavirus patients from the airport coming from Iran to be treated in Lebanese hospitals.

Hasan noted that 11% of the cases in Lebanon are from an unknown origin. “We are in stage three of coronavirus, we still have a week of lockdown after which we will decide on the next measures that must be taken.”

The Minister assured that the ministry covers the hospitalization expenses for patients infected with coronavirus and who have no social security coverage.

Last Sunday, the government ordered all people to stay at home and all non-essential businesses to close.

The airport has been shut since Wednesday.

The army was on Sunday staging patrols across Lebanon and using helicopters over many areas to ask citizens to stay home and respect a lockdown declared by the government over coronavirus.

Lebanon confirmed 18 more coronavirus infections Sunday, raising the overall tally to 248, according to the Health Ministry.