Lebanon hospitals run out of beds as virus cases surge

Lebanon hospitals run out of beds as virus cases surge

Lebanon hospitals run out of beds as virus cases surge

Lebanon hospitals run out of beds as virus cases surge

Lebanon hospitals run out of beds as virus cases surge

People wearing protective face masks walk outside Rafik Hariri University Hospital, amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Beirut, Lebanon January 4, 2021. (Reuters)

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Lebanon hospitals run out of beds as virus cases surge

Fourth lockdown follows record daily infections and warnings of 'worse to come'

Updated 06 January 2021

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BEIRUT: Lebanon's health system is on the brink of collapse as the country begins a 25-day nationwide lockdown to battle a record surge in coronavirus infections.

The lockdown starting on Thursday “” the country's fourth in just over 10 months “” follows a dramatic spike in the infection rate, with 3,620 cases reported in a single day, the highest number since the outbreak began in late February, 2020.

Amid growing alarm at the deteriorating situation, health officials warned that hospitals are running out of beds and intensive care facilities are being overwhelmed.

Pharmacists also told Arab News that stocks of drugs and medicines required to treat coronavirus patients are running low because of the rising demand.

The daily curfew will last until Feb. 1, and