BEIRUT: Coronavirus cases doubled in the last 24 hours, as Lebanon confirmed 66 new coronavirus cases Thursday, bringing the total number of registered infections in the country to 2,012.

Fourty-four cases were detected among the local population and 22 among travelers from abroad.

Health Minister Hamad Hasan said the rise in cases would be shocking, at a news conference earlier in the day.

The number of infected today will be shocking because of a [traveler] who mixed with his surrounding, attending a wedding and going to the pool without taking the necessary precautions or adhering to quarantining after his return, Hasan said at a news conference.

Lebanons only international airport reopened July 1 and is expected to daily bring in 2,000 travelers who officials hope will buoy the countrys economy as it passes through the worst financial crisis in Lebanons history.

Head of Rafik Hariri University Hospital Firas Abiad had previously told The Daily Star that the reopening of the airport could bring in around 40 new imported coronavirus cases a day. But Abiad and other health officials say they are not worried as long as the health system is not overwhelmed and has the capacity to treat patients.

More details to follow.

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