Lebanon hits daily record of COVID-19 infections

People queue for PCR tests in the intensive care unit of the Rafic Hariri University Hospital in the Lebanese capital Beirut, on January 5, 2021. (AFP)

• Health professionals have warned that the latest surge in cases risked causing catastrophe across Lebanon
• The new peak came after authorities eased measures in December for the holiday season

BEIRUT: Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed a new daily record of 4,166 coronavirus infections Wednesday, as medics warn that the health care system is struggling to cope.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Lebanon has recorded nearly 200,000 cases including 1,537 deaths, according to health ministry figures. A total of 21 people died on Wednesday.
Health professionals have warned that the latest surge in cases risked causing catastrophe across Lebanon, which is already suffering from the aftermath of a devastating August explosion in Beirut and a dire economic crisis.
The new peak came after authorities eased measures in December for the holiday season.
New restrictions to stem the spread of the virus, including a 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 am curfew, begin Thursday and will last until the end of January.
Vaccines are weeks away from arriving.
Lebanon hopes to receive its first shipment of coronavirus jabs in mid-February.