BEIRUT (AP) — Authorities in Lebanon on Thursday extended a nationwide lockdown by a week to February 8 amid a steep rise in coronavirus deaths and infections that has overwhelmed the health care system. The World Bank said Thursday it approved $34 million to help pay for vaccines for Lebanon that will inoculate over two million people. The steep rise in infections and deaths comes despite the strict lockdown in place since January 14. The crisis, coupled with coronavirus restrictions, has sent nearly half of the population into poverty, increased unemployment and forced many businesses to shut or leave the country. Many blame that brief relaxation of measures for the steep rise in infections.

Source: Egypt Independent January 21, 2021 13:24 UTC