Download the all-new Republic app:

Published 17:20 IST, April 18th 2020

Lebanon: Musicians stand on crane platform to perform for COVID-19 patients, nurses

While the world is grappling to overcome coronavirus pandemic, musicians in Lebanon perform for the nurses and patients while standing on 'crane platforms'

Reported by: Bhavya Sukheja
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
null | Image: self
Advertisement

While the world is struggling to overcome coronavirus pandemic, people are coming up with innovative ways to spread cheer and applaud the healthcare workers. Amid the ‘dark times’, a heartwarming video from Beirut is doing rounds on the internet. In the video, one can see a group of musicians performing for the doctors, nurses and patients outside Rafic Hariri hospital. 

According to the caption, the musicians were from Ahla Fawda, which is a non-government organisation. The artists gave a special performance while transforming a crane into a stage. In the clip, one can also see people cheering and applauding the musicians. Shared on April 17, the video has received several likes and retweets. It has also been viewed more than 800 times. 

Advertisement

READ: US Must Take Urgent Steps To Prevent Middle-class From Plunging Into Poverty: UN Expert

READ: Britons Ignore Lockdown Rule As They Gather On Westminster Bridge To ‘clap Of Carers’

Advertisement

Coronavirus outbreak 

Meanwhile, Lebanon has more than 650 confirmed coronavirus cases and the deadly virus has claimed nearly 21 lives in the country. Coronavirus, which originated in China in December 2019, has now claimed over 154,000 lives worldwide as of April 18. According to the tally by an international news agency, the pandemic has now spread to 210 countries and territories and has infected more than 2.6 million people. Out of the total infections, more than 581,000 have recovered but the easily spread virus is continuing to disrupt many lives. Major cities have been put under lockdown in almost all countries including Spain, and the economy is struggling. 

Due to the unprecedented virus outbreak, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also reportedly projected that Lebanon’s economy will shrink 12 per cent amid the country’s worst economic and financial crisis in decades. The lockdown which was aimed at curbing the virus outbreak has reportedly worsened the countries economic and financial conditions. According to an international media outlet, several businesses have been closed for the past month which has affected the economy of the country. 

Advertisement

READ: Nepal Is Home Away From Home For Some Stranded Foreign Tourists During COVID-19 Crisis

READ: Communities Face Higher Costs, Lower Revenue During Pandemic

Advertisement

17:30 IST, April 18th 2020