Lebanon shuts bars, nightclubs to prevent spread of coronavirus

Beirut, Oct 11 (efe-epa).- The Lebanese government on Sunday announced it would close every bars and nightclub in the country amid an increase in Covid-19 cases in recent weeks.

“Close all bars and nightclubs across Lebanon without any exception until further notice,” the country’s interior ministry said.

The ministry’s statement added that those who violate the rule will be prosecuted accordingly.

A military source, who requested anonymity, confirmed to Efe that the ban would include bars in the capital, but he said the measure will not affect those holding a restaurant license.

“Restaurants will not be subject to the closure order,” he said.

More than 52,000 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Lebanon so far, with 455 deaths.

Lebanon, a nation of six million inhabitants, reported 1,388 new infections on Sunday, according to figures released by the World Health Organization.

The number of coronavirus cases has been on the rise since the devastating explosion that took place when a warehouse at a port containing ammonium nitrate caught fire in Beirut.

The blast killed more than 200 people, wounded 6,500 and left some 300,000 homeless.

Beirut is home to a large number of bars and nightclubs, many of which have already been rebuilt after the blast, although the influx had already decreased amid the severe economic crisis.