We are currently witnessing a critical surge in coronavirus cases in Lebanon. According to the World Health Organization, we have reached the community transmission stage.
More than 13,100 cases
and 125 deaths were recorded
on 25 August
The decrease in the capacity of hospitals in Beirut after the 4 August blast, whether in regular wards or intensive care units, is also a matter of concern.
In the last two weeks,
hospitalisations have
increased by 54%,
and by 33% in intensive care units.

Before the 4 August blast, MSF was supporting the Ministry of Health by taking swab samples for PCR testing of people who had come into contact with infected cases. We were targeting areas with high numbers of confirmed cases or clusters. Recently, an MSF team and the Ministry of Health set up a fixed point to take samples for PCR testing. In 3 months, MSF took more than 8,000 samples from all regions in Lebanon.

After the blast, MSF continued to work with the Ministry of Health and monitored the outbreak of the epidemic by targeting affected areas such as Karantina, Mar Mikhael, Gemmayzeh, Saifi, Geitaoui and the surrounding areas.
Later, MSF set up fixed points in Karantina and Mar Mikhael, and took more than 500 swab samples for PCR tests to complement random testing of residents of these areas, as well as association and relief team workers.
MSF continues to carry out triage and screening of patients across all our clinics in Lebanon. In Zahle, we also take swab samples to conduct PCR tests for children at the Elias Hraoui Public Hospital.