Syria closes border with Lebanon over COVID-19 concerns

The Syrian Interior Ministry declared on Sunday the closure of the border crossings with Lebanon over COVID-19 concerns, according to the state news agency SANA.

The decision will go into force as of midnight Tuesday, said the report, adding that the borders will be closed for passengers, including the Syrians.

The decision excludes cargo shipments.

The decision is the latest in a string of orders the Syrian government has made over the past week to prevent the COVID-19.

Earlier on Sunday, the Syrian Health Ministry confirmed the first novel coronavirus case in the country.

On Saturday, the government ordered the shutdown of restaurants, cafes and government ministries.