Lebanon began a 25-day nationwide lockdown Thursday to limit the spread of the coronavirus as infections hit a new record in the tiny Mediterranean nation and patients overwhelm the health care sector.

The lockdown in Lebanon is the third since the first case was reported in late February. It closes most businesses and limits traffic by imposing an odd and even license plate rule on alternating days. It also reduces the number of flights at the country’s only international airport.

As of Thursday, a daily 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew takes effect that will last until Feb. 1.

On Wednesday, Lebanon broke its single-day record of new coronavirus infections on the eve of the lockdown with 4,166 cases reported in 24 hours.

It came after a holiday season in which tens of thousands of visitors flying into the country to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s. Lebanon also reported 21 new coronavirus deaths Wednesday, bringing the number of total coronavirus cases in the small Mediterranean country to nearly 200,000, with more than 1,500 deaths.

“The best way to limit the spread is to stay at home,” outgoing Health Minister Hamad Hasan told the local LBC TV station.

Source: Agencies