The Covid-19 ward at Lebanon’s largest public hospital has reopened amid a marked rise in cases, the head of Rafic Hariri University Hospital said on Tuesday.
The reopening of the ward, however, is purely a “preparatory” move, said Dr Jihad Saadeh.
The ward was never completely closed but was scaled down when Covid cases declined last year.
But now, cases caused by the newest Covid variant are on the rise, and the ward has been re-expanded and placed under total isolation as it takes in patients from across the country, Dr Saadeh told The National.
The rise in Covid cases has renewed fears of a return to 2020, when cases were at their peak and the nation was placed under lockdown.
At the time, experts worried Lebanon’s struggling health sector would be unable to handle an influx of cases amid a steep economic crisis. Wards often overflowed with patients as hospitals struggled with a lack of oxygen, electricity and medicine.
The rise in cases is attributed to a highly contagious Omicron sub-variant, which is less dangerous but highly infectious, Dr Saadeh said.
“This is a new variant — very new. Even people who have taken three vaccines don’t have immunity to these variants.”
The variant does not appear to be more dangerous than other strains, he added, but “it’s unpredictable and we don't know what this variant will do”.
“Maybe there will be danger to those who were infected a month later — we don’t know. It’s still new.”
According to Dr Saadeh, people should take precautions by wearing masks and avoiding large gatherings.
Although the variant has not proved fatal to anyone in Lebanon so far, “those who are immunocompromised need to be extra careful”.
Lebanon's economic crisis is continuing into its fourth year and shortages in the health sector continue to affect daily life, but the less dangerous mutations of Covid have given some respite to the health sector.
“With enough preparation, everything will be fine,” Dr Saadeh added.
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
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UAE tour of Zimbabwe
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Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
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Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the prestigious peace prize, held its final meeting on Monday, the Nobel Institute said Thursday, a day ahead of the announcement of the 2025 laureate.
This means a decision was made about the laureate or laureates before the conclusion of an agreement between Israel and Hamas, which included a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
President Donald Trump pushed for the ceasefire as part of a 20-point plan to resolve the Gaza war.
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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Previous men's records
- 2:01:39: Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) on 16/9/19 in Berlin
- 2:02:57: Dennis Kimetto (KEN) on 28/09/2014 in Berlin
- 2:03:23: Wilson Kipsang (KEN) on 29/09/2013 in Berlin
- 2:03:38: Patrick Makau (KEN) on 25/09/2011 in Berlin
- 2:03:59: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 28/09/2008 in Berlin
- 2:04:26: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 30/09/2007 in Berlin
- 2:04:55: Paul Tergat (KEN) on 28/09/2003 in Berlin
- 2:05:38: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 14/04/2002 in London
- 2:05:42: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 24/10/1999 in Chicago
- 2:06:05: Ronaldo da Costa (BRA) 20/09/1998 in Berlin