Lebanese Health Minister Hamad Hassan, centre, speaks to journalists outside Rafik Hariri Airport in Beirut on April 5, 2020, during the arrival of Lebanese who were stuck abroad because of the coronavirus outbreak. AP Photo
Lebanese Health Minister Hamad Hassan, centre, speaks to journalists outside Rafik Hariri Airport in Beirut on April 5, 2020, during the arrival of Lebanese who were stuck abroad because of the coronavirus outbreak. AP Photo
Lebanese Health Minister Hamad Hassan, centre, speaks to journalists outside Rafik Hariri Airport in Beirut on April 5, 2020, during the arrival of Lebanese who were stuck abroad because of the coronavirus outbreak. AP Photo
Lebanese Health Minister Hamad Hassan, centre, speaks to journalists outside Rafik Hariri Airport in Beirut on April 5, 2020, during the arrival of Lebanese who were stuck abroad because of the corona

Lebanon’s health minister hesitant to reopen airport after returnees infect locals

Cabinet will decide on reopening but 'there is no date until now', says adviser

Sunniva Rose
Sunniva Rose

June 04, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Lebanon’s health minister warned on Thursday that the country’s airport would only be reopened when returnees stick to quarantine measures, highlighting the case of a woman who infected 42 people with Covid 19 after arriving recently.

“When people and expatriates sit at home … then we can talk about reopening the airport, especially that a woman returnee who was carrying the virus transmitted it to 42 people in [the southern town of] Barja,” said Hamad Hassan after a Cabinet session, quoted by the state-run National News Agency.

The pandemic’s outbreak in Lebanon has been relatively contained so far but officials fear that the cash-strapped country will not be able to handle a major outbreak.

_______________

Coronavirus in the Middle East

A closed souvenir shop in front of the treasury site in the ancient city of Petra is seen empty of tourists after the government closed all tourist facilities in the country amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus in Jordan. Reuters
A closed souvenir shop in front of the treasury site in the ancient city of Petra is seen empty of tourists after the government closed all tourist facilities in the country amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus in Jordan. Reuters
A mask-clad worker walks near a mural depicting Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid riding a horse as a jockey, along Al Mustaqbal Street in Dubai. AFP
A mask-clad worker walks near a mural depicting Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid riding a horse as a jockey, along Al Mustaqbal Street in Dubai. AFP
Iraqi Karate-coach Asif Mohamed (right) gives a Karate lesson to a young man it his house in Baghdad, Iraq. All training centers for Karate are closed in Baghdad. EPA
Iraqi Karate-coach Asif Mohamed (right) gives a Karate lesson to a young man it his house in Baghdad, Iraq. All training centers for Karate are closed in Baghdad. EPA
The ancient city of Petra is seen empty of tourists after the government closed all tourist facilities in Jordan. Reuters
The ancient city of Petra is seen empty of tourists after the government closed all tourist facilities in Jordan. Reuters
A mask-glad young anti-government protester faces members of the security forces during a demonstration in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, despite the ongoing threat of the coronavirus. AFP
A mask-glad young anti-government protester faces members of the security forces during a demonstration in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, despite the ongoing threat of the coronavirus. AFP
People visit Kugulu public garden, in Ankara, Turkey days after the government lifted a series of restrictions. AP Photo
People visit Kugulu public garden, in Ankara, Turkey days after the government lifted a series of restrictions. AP Photo
A demonstrator clad in sunglasses and mask looks on during a protest against Israeli plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, in the West Bank city of Nablus. AFP
A demonstrator clad in sunglasses and mask looks on during a protest against Israeli plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, in the West Bank city of Nablus. AFP
Young Palestinian girls sit at the window sill in Gaza City amid the coronavirus pandemic crisis. AFP
Young Palestinian girls sit at the window sill in Gaza City amid the coronavirus pandemic crisis. AFP
Young Palestinians play at the seashore in Gaza City amid the coronavirus pandemic. AFP
Young Palestinians play at the seashore in Gaza City amid the coronavirus pandemic. AFP
A mask-clad Palestinian boy takes part in the noon (Dhuhr) prayers along with other worshippers, at mosque in Gaza City. AFP
A mask-clad Palestinian boy takes part in the noon (Dhuhr) prayers along with other worshippers, at mosque in Gaza City. AFP
Members of the Tutunamayanlar's team (The Outcasts) and Turkish actor Dogu Demirkol prepare to record an episode, in Beykoz, in the outskirts of Istanbul. Turkey is known for its obsession with TV dramas -- which are also a massive export success -- and not even the coronavirus restrictions stopped the team on Tutunamayanlar (The Outcasts) from keeping the show going. AFP
Members of the Tutunamayanlar's team (The Outcasts) and Turkish actor Dogu Demirkol prepare to record an episode, in Beykoz, in the outskirts of Istanbul. Turkey is known for its obsession with TV dramas -- which are also a massive export success -- and not even the coronavirus restrictions stopped the team on Tutunamayanlar (The Outcasts) from keeping the show going. AFP
A woman sewing colourful bedouin-styled face masks, at the city of El-Arish the capital of Egypt's North Sinai province, to be sold online to customers as part of coronavirus prevention. AFP
A woman sewing colourful bedouin-styled face masks, at the city of El-Arish the capital of Egypt's North Sinai province, to be sold online to customers as part of coronavirus prevention. AFP
Colourful bedouin-styled face masks made by women members of the association, at the city of El Arish the capital of Egypt's North Sinai province, to be sold online to customers as part of coronavirus prevention. AFP
Colourful bedouin-styled face masks made by women members of the association, at the city of El Arish the capital of Egypt's North Sinai province, to be sold online to customers as part of coronavirus prevention. AFP
A man who is in contact with people who have contracted the coronavirus wears a protective face mask as he receives through iron bars the free medicines provided by the ministry of health, at a medical centre in Cairo, Egypt. Reuters
A man who is in contact with people who have contracted the coronavirus wears a protective face mask as he receives through iron bars the free medicines provided by the ministry of health, at a medical centre in Cairo, Egypt. Reuters
A street vendor wearing a mask sells roses in Sidon, Lebanon. Reuters
A street vendor wearing a mask sells roses in Sidon, Lebanon. Reuters
A shoe polisher and his son wait for customers on Hamra Street, Beirut, Lebanon. EPA
A shoe polisher and his son wait for customers on Hamra Street, Beirut, Lebanon. EPA
A Yemeni volunteer wearing a protective suit sprays disinfectant at a neighborhood amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in Sanaa, Yemen. EPA
A Yemeni volunteer wearing a protective suit sprays disinfectant at a neighborhood amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in Sanaa, Yemen. EPA
An Iranian man walks in front of a pastry shop in the capital Tehran. AFP
An Iranian man walks in front of a pastry shop in the capital Tehran. AFP

_______________

According to the Health Ministry’s latest figures, the novel coronavirus has infected 1,306 people in Lebanon and killed 28.

The government shut Beirut’s international airport on March 18 to contain the spread of the pandemic, but thousands of Lebanese stranded abroad have been able to re-enter the country via a special repatriation programme.

The airport's reopening was announced for June 8 but has been repeatedly pushed back. Media adviser to Mr Hassan, Reda Al Moussawi, told The National that the Cabinet, which will convene on Friday, would decide when the airport would reopen and that "there is no date until now". He said the Health Ministry was awaiting the results of PCR tests on a recent batch of returnees.

Mr Hassan said that the Cabinet would decide on whether Lebanese returning from abroad should undergo a compulsory quarantine or whether positive cases should be transferred to government hospitals.

The Health Ministry said on Wednesday that it had conducted 88,000 PCR tests across Lebanon so far and continued distributing free masks in co-operation with municipalities.

“The results showed that there is no local outbreak of the epidemic so far,” the ministry said.

The ministry announced last Monday that it would distribute one million masks across the country. In parallel, the Internal Security Forces started fining anyone not wearing a mask 50,000 Lebanese pounds, or roughly $16.

On Women's Day
UAE SQUAD

UAE team
1. Chris Jones-Griffiths 2. Gio Fourie 3. Craig Nutt 4. Daniel Perry 5. Isaac Porter 6. Matt Mills 7. Hamish Anderson 8. Jaen Botes 9. Barry Dwyer 10. Luke Stevenson (captain) 11. Sean Carey 12. Andrew Powell 13. Saki Naisau 14. Thinus Steyn 15. Matt Richards

Replacements
16. Lukas Waddington 17. Murray Reason 18. Ahmed Moosa 19. Stephen Ferguson 20. Sean Stevens 21. Ed Armitage 22. Kini Natuna 23. Majid Al Balooshi

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
If you go...

Flying
There is no simple way to get to Punta Arenas from the UAE, with flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi requiring at least two connections to reach this part of Patagonia. Flights start from about Dh6,250.

Touring
Chile Nativo offers the amended Los Dientes trek with expert guides and porters who are met in Puerto Williams on Isla Navarino. The trip starts and ends in Punta Arenas and lasts for six days in total. Prices start from Dh8,795.

Whiile you're here
ABU%20DHABI'S%20KEY%20TOURISM%20GOALS%3A%20BY%20THE%20NUMBERS
%3Cp%3EBy%202030%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi%20aims%20to%20achieve%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%2039.3%20million%20visitors%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20nearly%2064%25%20up%20from%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%20Dh90%20billion%20contribution%20to%20GDP%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20about%2084%25%20more%20than%20Dh49%20billion%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%20178%2C000%20new%20jobs%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20bringing%20the%20total%20to%20about%20366%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%2052%2C000%20hotel%20rooms%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20up%2053%25%20from%2034%2C000%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%207.2%20million%20international%20visitors%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20almost%2090%25%20higher%20compared%20to%202023's%203.8%20million%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%80%A2%203.9%20international%20overnight%20hotel%20stays%2C%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2022%25%20more%20from%203.2%20nights%20in%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here

 


 

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Tomorrow 2021
Company profile

Name: Steppi

Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic

Launched: February 2020

Size: 10,000 users by the end of July and a goal of 200,000 users by the end of the year

Employees: Five

Based: Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai

Financing stage: Two seed rounds – the first sourced from angel investors and the founders' personal savings

Second round raised Dh720,000 from silent investors in June this year

What is the FNC?

The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning. 
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval. 
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
 

Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
Winners

Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)

Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)

Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)

Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)

Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)

Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)

Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)

Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)

Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Alaan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Parthi%20Duraisamy%20and%20Karun%20Kurien%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%247%20million%20raised%20in%20total%20%E2%80%94%20%242.5%20million%20in%20a%20seed%20round%20and%20%244.5%20million%20in%20a%20pre-series%20A%20round%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
CoronavirusLebanon