Covid-19 Update
- 5 new cases, 668 cases, 86 recoveries, 21 deaths
- LEBANON INTENSIFIES PCR TESTING AS OF SATURDAY. "Lebanon is out of the woods, thanks to mandatory quarantine measures," tweeted Health Minister Hamad Hassan. He mentioned three steps that make up a safe strategy: monitoring returned expatriates for the next 10 days, intensifying testing over the next two weeks, and delivering new equipment to government hospitals on Saturday. This equipment comprises 3000 PCR testing kits, 11 tons of PPE suits for medical staff, 200 thermometers, and other medical items, courtesy of China and Qatar.
Union of Bakeries Syndicate threaten to restrict sales of bread bundles to bakeries only, starting this Monday
- 450 LBP is the profit earned per sale of bread bundle, according to a statement by the Consumers Lebanon Assembly which accused the Union of Bakeries Syndicate of adopting monopolistic policies.
- The syndicate had threatened to restrict its sales of bread bundles to bakeries only, ceasing all distribution to stores and supermarkets as of Monday morning. The syndicate's decision cited losses incurred due to the increasing costs of transport and came as a response to the Economy Ministry's refusal to increase bread bundles prices.
Who are the 98% of the depositors?
- 98% of depositors would see their deposits untouched, Prime Minister Hassan Diab pledged Thursday night.
- A survey of all deposits in Lebanese banks, dated February 2020, reveals that 'haircut' measures would only affect deposits larger than $500 thousand. Previously, both Diab and his government's draft economic plan had pledged to protect 90% of depositors, with deposits worth $100 thousand or less.
REPOSTED FROM @Megaphonenews