The meeting was attended by members of the committee, and the unions of: hospitals, Beirut doctors, Tripoli doctors, nurses, restaurant owners, hotels, in addition to the union of tourism sector employees and workers, unions of marine tourism institutions, social workers and supermarket owners.
Al-Abyad began the meeting by explaining the current epidemiological situation, and said: “Our focus is currently on the hospital reality, and until this hour, the number of Corona cases in hospitals is still acceptable, and as long as the hospital situation is under control, then the epidemiological situation is under control.”
He added: “The issue of closing the country or changing the procedures adopted at the airport is currently out of the question, as long as the hospital situation is stable and the vast majority of infected cases do not have to enter the hospital, especially since the economic situation is very difficult. But this does not mean that the epidemic is over, so, in preparation for the expected increase in hospitalization rates, we have raised the readiness of Corona departments and intensive care rooms in hospitals, providing them with oxygen and the necessary basic medicines.
Al-Abyadh also presented the measures taken by the ministry “to deal with this wave of the epidemic, the most important of which are:
– The epidemiological surveillance program at the ministry, through which virus mutants are monitored through genetic sequencing tests, and the detection and follow-up of infected cases.
Providing free Antigen Rapid test tests, through centers distributed in multiple regions, for people who show symptoms and cannot afford the cost of conducting the test.
– Providing the vaccine free of charge and without prior appointment to citizens and residents on Lebanese territory.
– Educating citizens about the importance of taking the vaccine and wearing a mask in public places, tourist facilities and hospitals.
After discussing the epidemiological reality in Lebanon, the hospital situation, hospital needs, and vaccination rates, the committee issued the following recommendations:
The necessity of taking the vaccine, which is available free of charge, in any of the vaccination centers distributed throughout the Lebanese territories and without a prior appointment throughout the week.
Taking into account the criteria adopted by the Ministry of Health for taking the vaccine, which are:
1- The first dose is available to everyone over the age of five years.
2- The second dose is available to all those who have received the first dose for three weeks.
3- The third dose is available to all those who have received the second dose five months ago.
4- The fourth dose is available to all those who have received the third dose for six months.
Encouraging children from 5 to 12 years old to be vaccinated after the vaccine for this age group is available.
Emphasizing that taking the vaccine reduces the complications of the disease, especially those that require hospitalization or intensive care, and reduces mortality rates.
Adhering to the recommendations issued by the National Committee for Transmissible Diseases regarding the period of isolation and quarantine related to Covid-19, most notably determining the isolation period for the positive case, regardless of the vaccination status and regardless of symptoms, within a period of 7 days without a laboratory examination, or 5 days with an examination. “PCR” or “Antigen Rapid Test”, provided that the last 24 hours are free of heat with a noticeable improvement in the rest of the symptoms while adhering to the muzzle and social distancing.
Emphasis on giving reminder doses to workers in the health sector and their commitment to putting a muzzle inside hospitals and health facilities.
Emphasizing the vaccination of workers in public and tourist facilities, supermarkets and commercial gatherings, and their commitment to wearing a mask.
– Rafic Hariri International Airport: Recalling the procedures contained in Circular No. 14/2 issued by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation on April 6, 2022.
Activating awareness campaigns through the media and social media about the dangers of corona and the long-term complications resulting from infection, and the importance of taking the vaccine and sticking to the mask.
Relying on the data and results issued by the epidemiological surveillance at the Ministry of Public Health to respond to any emergency or change in the epidemiological trend.