This weekly update aims to inform our readers of the legal and regulatory measures adopted by the Lebanese authorities to mitigate the impact of the recent Covid-19 outbreak in Lebanon.

 

Here is the list of measures taken between May 18 and May 25, 2020:

1. Law n˚177 of May 13, 2020. - Suspension of the repayment of loans granted by banks and credit counters. The New Law on the suspension of the repayment of loans granted by banks and credit counters has been published in the Official Gazette of May 21, 2020.

Here are the main provisions of the Law:

• The Law provides for the suspension of the repayment of loans granted by banks and credit counters to clients whose industry has been affected by the spread of the Coronavirus as well as the suspension of the payment of instalments of loans and accrued interests due on April 1^st, 2020 for a period of 6 months.
• The Law also provides for the suspension of all legal, judicial and execution measures covered by the provisions of the law and prohibits banks and credit counters from charging legal or contractual penalties or any commissions or late interest fees.
• The suspension only affects loans of clients whose monthly income does not exceed the minimum wage, clients whose income has been reduced by half or more, or who have been partially or permanently laid off. The suspension also affects loans granted to clients who work in the following sectors: industry, agriculture, tourism, restaurant, coffee shop, transport and production.
• The Law shall come into force immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette.

2. Council of Ministers. – Decision of May 21, 2020: The Council of Ministers extended the general mobilization measures to May 25, 2020.

3. Ministry of Labor.- Circular of May 19, 2020: The Ministry of Labor issued health and professional safety guidelines for the industry sector.

These guidelines provide for:

• The designation of a Point of Contact tasked with gathering the contact details of all employees.
• The requirement to provide sanitizers and to ensure access to cleaning and sanitizing products.
• The requirement to provide access to hand-wash stations.
• The execution of systematic temperature and health checks.
• The implementation of a distancing plan that limits the presence of employees and establishes a work schedule between them.
• The requirement to wear masks and to uphold social distancing measures.
• The implementation of strict cleaning and sterilization measures.
• The need to raise awareness amongst employees on the spread of Covid-19 and the implementation of strict hygiene and social distancing measures between employees.
• The prohibition of smoking.

The Circular also provides for specific measures to be implemented by certain industries.

For any additional information about the legal issues raised by Covid-19, please do not hesitate to contact our Firm.