Beirut (AFP)

The population in Lebanon must remain confined to their home for two weeks to fight against the new coronavirus, and the only international airport in the country will be closed from Wednesday, authorities announced on Sunday, citing a "state of health emergency".

The country, which has 4.5 million Lebanese and more than one million Syrian refugees, has registered three deaths from the Covid-19 epidemic and 99 cases of contamination.

The streets of Beirut have already been largely empty during the weekend.

Among a new series of measures adopted by the government is "the obligation for citizens to remain confined to their homes and to only go out when it is absolutely necessary," said Minister of Information Manal Abdel Samad in conference Press.

This confinement must be observed until March 29, according to the government decision.

In addition, Beirut International Airport will close from Wednesday until March 29, said the minister. Entrances via ports and border crossings are also prohibited during the same period.

An exception will be made for UN peacekeepers stationed in the country, members of diplomatic missions, international organizations and cargo planes, according to the minister.

Abdel Samad announced the closure of most public administrations and municipalities, reiterating the closure of schools, universities and nurseries until March 29.

Businesses and businesses will be closed, with the exception of bakeries and businesses specializing in the food industry or other basic products.

Banks can stay open to provide minimum service.

"Each of us is invited to continue our work, from home, in the way we consider appropriate," said President Michel Aoun earlier in a televised address.

"The current situation constitutes a state of health emergency, which requires a general mobilization".

In recent days, Lebanese media and users on social networks have taken up a hashtag in Arabic # Resteàlamaison.

The authorities had already decreed the cessation of all air, sea and land transport from and to China, Italy, Iran and South Korea. The same restrictions were then adopted for France, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The government also ordered the closure of sports centers, bars and nightclubs across the country. Concerts and artistic events have also been suspended.

Shia and Sunni religious authorities have announced the suspension of the weekly high Friday prayer and all other gatherings in the mosques until further notice.

© 2020 AFP