17 February 2020 – As part of its support to the preparedness activities of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), WHO conducted an assessment visit to the Rafic El Hariri International Airport Beirut as the main point of entry in Lebanon, to check on the preparedness activities undertaken on its premises.

WHO Representative Dr Iman Shankiti and team members, accompanied by the Ministry of Public Health IHR focal point Dr Atika Berry, visited different departments of the airport and met with the Heads of General Security Forces at the airport and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

The WHO team also met with the Ministry of Public Health airport medical team physician and nurses and visited the temperature screening points, the health check rooms, and the quarantine area. Dr Shankiti commended the collaborative efforts of the different teams and reiterated WHO's commitment to support further preparedness measures as the situation unfolds.