Lebanon is now on lockdown after medical officials reported a surge of coronavirus cases after a deadly blast that killed 180 people.
The country’s health ministry registered 456 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday and two deaths, which set a new daily record in infections after Sunday saw 439 new cases and six deaths.
Cases were expected to rise following an explosion of almost 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate stored at a port near Beirut earlier this month, according to the Associated Press. The deadly blast left more than 6,000 people wounded and many others without shelter.
The incident also left hospitals in Beirut damaged and overwhelmed. The hospitals, which played a key role in helping to contain COVID-19, also warned of overcrowding afterward.
Lebanon has had almost over 9,300 coronavirus cases and 105 deaths. Its lockdown will last two weeks.
