A town in the north of Lebanon, Burj Al-Yahoudiyeh, with a population of 6,000,  appears to have managed to control the coronavirus pandemic, with the town Mayor, Amer Abu Awaik, claiming that the town for the past 20 days, has become free of any new COVID-19 infections due to adherance to the health measures witnessed by residents.

The town became a 'model' in the fight against COVID-19, as the world, especially Lebanon, is being ravaged by the virus.  

On Feb. 13, the first batch of vaccines arrived in Lebanon, namely 28,500 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Their vaccination campaign began Feb. 14, with a doctor being the first individual in the country to receive a jab.

Also Read: Lebanon begins vaccination campaign

-Protective wall-

Awaik said that the town recorded zero cases due to the close adherance to measures such as social distancing and wearing face masks, and the commitment of citizens.

Awaik added that the preventive measures taken formed a kind of "protective wall" to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 infections from one person to another, thanks to the medical and town efforts made in dealing with this pandemic.

Awik stated that the town was able to eradicate the virus from within its borders due to setting up an aid program for all residents to be able to remain indoors, and not have to go outdoors to obtain basic requirements. 

He said: "We have secured food rations, through a program of social solidarity with expatriates outside the country [they provided financial aid], with the aim of keeping citizens in home quarantine and preventing the spread of infection."

-No new infections-

The head of the nursing department in the town, Khader Al-Awaik, confirmed that the town is completely free of COVID-19, and no new cases were recorded in it, according to the results of PCR tests conducted on a number of citizens in the past days.

Thus, the town has been living for 20 days, free of the coronavirus. However, this achievement does not mean the end of the nightmare that is COVID-19, as the mayor expects to re-register new infections in about 10 to 15 days, as the government begins to gradually ease restrictions.

About two months ago, the number of cases in Lebanon began to rise dramatically, exceeding 5,000 cases per day, which caused hospitals to reach their maximum capacity, and a shortage of oxygen for patients, which prompted authorities to declare a national health emergency.