BEIRUT, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab on Saturday urged the Lebanese to stay at home amid a remarkable increase in COVID-19 infections in the past 24 hours by 29 percent to 230 cases, MTV local TV channel reported.
"I urge all the Lebanese to stop going out as the government cannot alone face this pandemic. This is an individual and societal responsibility; we are in big danger and winning over this virus should happen by creating cooperation among society, the government and individuals," Diab said while addressing the Lebanese following a cabinet meeting.
Diab said that security forces and the Lebanese army will increase their control to prevent people from leaving their houses except for emergency matters.
The prime minister said that security forces will also control the production, import and export of any equipment or material as a precaution against COVID-19, and to assess the country's need for this material.
Diab warned that legal procedures will be adopted against those who violate the cabinet's instructions.
Diab's announcement came after some photos of people gathering in certain places in the country were circulated over the social media.
"The lack of commitment by people reflects that they have no proper awareness about the danger of this virus," the prime minister said. Enditem
