Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Some Lebanese Fear Going Hungry More Than COVID-19 Infection

Dale Gavlak

   AMMAN, JORDAN - Lebanon is on alert for a potential second wave of
   coronavirus cases, following an alarming increase in local infections
   over the weekend. But some Lebanese say they fear dying of hunger more
   than from COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, as the tiny
   Mediterranean country's economic and financial crisis worsens.

   Authorities in Lebanon say they had to strengthen measures against
   violators and extend a countrywide nightly curfew by two hours amid a
   spike in coronavirus cases, some involving people returning from
   abroad.

   Health Minister Hamad Hassan said one case involved a Lebanese returnee
   who should have isolated for 14 days, but "caused the transmission of
   infection to his family and the people around him." Officials warn
   Lebanon might be locked down for 48 hours "to conduct a field study in
   areas where cases were found." The latest reports put the number of
   COVID-19 infections at 859, with 26 deaths.

   The coronavirus pandemic has compounded economic woes in Lebanon, which
   had plunged deep into financial crisis months before. Lebanese have
   seen the value of their savings tumble with the currency, the pound,
   losing more than half its value. Food prices have soared.

   Nearly 50 percent of Lebanese are living below the poverty line, and
   unemployment stands at 35 percent, according to the government. Many
   employed have seen their salaries slashed in half.

   Professor Habib Malik of the Lebanese American University tells VOA
   that hunger is driving anti-government protesters back to the streets,
   following a spate of mass protests.

.