Sharjah24 – Reuters: Lebanon will gradually ease strict coronavirus lockdown in force since Jan. 11 in four two-week stages starting from Monday, the country's caretaker government said on Friday.

Lebanon imposed a 24-hour curfew when cases spiked after lax measures over the Christmas holiday period sent infections soaring and pushed hospital capacities to the limit.

Lebanon is dealing with a devastating financial crisis that has paralysed banks and the lockdown faced resistance amid concerns over soaring unemployment, inflation and poverty.

Caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab said in a statement that while Sunday would be the last day of total lockdown some restrictions would remain in place on Monday.

Lebanon recorded 3,107 new cases on Thursday, with total cases reaching 312,269 and total deaths at 3,397.

On Friday, caretaker Health Minister Hamad Hasan warned the situation was still worrying with 98 deaths recorded on the day.