COVID-19 Pandemic in Lebanon: One Year Later, What Have We Learnt?

Jad Koweyes,Sima Tokajian,Tamara Salloum,Siwar Haidar,Georgi Merhi,Suleyman Yildirim

doi:10.1128/msystems.00351-21

Jad Koweyes, Sima Tokajian + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1128/msystems.00351-21

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Journal: mSystems	Publication Date: Apr 20, 2021
Citations: 34	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Lebanese American University

Abstract

ABSTRACTLebanon is witnessing an unprecedented crisis with the rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), financial meltdown, economic collapse, and the Beirut Port explosion. The first wave began in February 2020, following which the country experienced several episodes and peaks while alternating between lockdowns and phased liftings. One year of the pandemic revealed that effective mitigation could not be separated from the collapse of the ongoing economic, political, and health sectors. Scaling up vaccination, preparedness, and response capacities is essential to control community transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO), National Council for Scientific Research—Lebanon (CNRS-L), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and humanitarian responses proved to be the safety net for the country during the current pandemic.

Highlights

Lebanon is witnessing an unprecedented crisis with the rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), financial meltdown, economic collapse, and the Beirut Port explosion
On 9 January 2020, a novel coronavirus was linked to the outbreak, which coincided with an important catalyst for the rapid viral spread, the “chunyun,” the world’s largest human migration which happens before the lunar new year, with approximately 3.6 billion trips from, to, and within China (3)
Travel restrictions were imposed, reducing flights from high-risk areas, and lockdown measures were taken starting with the closure of all universities and schools (7)

Summary

Introduction

Lebanon is witnessing an unprecedented crisis with the rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), financial meltdown, economic collapse, and the Beirut Port explosion. By the end of the month, the virus had already reached 17 countries, following which WHO declared COVID-19 as a public health emergency of global concern and worldwide pandemic by 11 March 2020 (5). A nationwide strict lockdown plan was set following the first severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-related death on 10 March 2020 and which was associated with the WHO’s announcement that the country entered stage three of the transmission.

Results

Conclusion