Lebanon begins new lockdown amid surge in coronavirus cases

Lebanon begins new lockdown amid surge in coronavirus cases

The lockdown in Lebanon is the third since the first case was reported in late February. It closes most businesses and limits traffic by imposing an odd and even license plate rule on alternating days













A police officer wearing a face mask talks with a driver at a checkpoint, as Lebanon announced a full lockdown for three weeks to stem a rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections, in Marjayoun, southern Lebanon, January 7, 2021. REUTERS













Lebanon began a 25-day nationwide lockdown Thursday to limit the spread of the coronavirus as infections hit a record in the tiny Mediterranean nation and patients overwhelm the health care sector.

In Israel, the government prepared for a two-week shutdown as the country's infection rate soars.

The lockdown in Lebanon is the third since the first case was reported in late February. It closes most businesses and limits traffic by imposing an odd and even license plate rule on alternating days. It also reduces the number of flights at the country's only international airport.

As of Thursday, a daily 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew takes effect that will last