Director of the state-run Rafik Hariri University Hospital, Firass Abaid voiced concern on Friday over the rise in number of younger COVID-19 patients admitted to the emergency room.

French Ambassador to Lebanon Anne Grillo announced a new batch of French aid for Lebanon, stressing that assistance for the crisis-hit country “does not replace much-needed reforms.”

To feed her family, Lebanese mother Sandra al-Tawil sold her fridge and washing machine. Now she fears the cash-strapped state will scrap food subsidies, plunging them deeper into poverty.

The media adviser of PM-designate Saad Hariri, Hussein al-Wajeh, commented Thursday on a statement issued by Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil.

“We thank Jebran Bassil for his statement, which confirms what was clear from the very first moment to President (Michel) Aoun: a government of 18 ministers containing three specialist, nonpartisan ministers for President Aoun if the FPM bloc does not intend to grant confidence to the government, and additional three ministers if his bloc commits to granting confidence,” al-Wajeh said.

Lebanese protesting the dire living conditions took to the streets Thursday across the country, blocking vital highways and roads.

In the capital, protesters blocked the roads around Martyrs Square, sparking altercations with motorists who were trapped in their vehicles. Security forces later intervened to reopen the roads and contain the situation.

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil on Thursday lashed out anew at PM-designate Saad Hariri, blaming him for the delay in forming a new government.

“Today it became evident to the naked eye that PM-designate Saad Hariri is not ready to form the government for known external reasons, which we had refrained from mentioning previously in order to give extra chances,” Bassil said in a statement released by his press office.

Arab Tawhid Party leader Wiam Wahhab held phone talks Thursday with Progressive Socialist Party chief Walid Jumblat following a clash between supporters of their two parties in the Chouf town of Kfarhim.

Wahhab and Jumblat “stressed that the Lebanese Army should be fully in charge of addressing the Kfarhim incident,” emphasizing that “the security of Mt. Lebanon and its residents is a red line,” a statement issued by the Tawhid Party said.

Press office of PM-designate Saad Hariri on Thursday denied reports published in al-Akhbar daily that he rejected a proposal presented by President Michel Aoun regarding the government formation.

The anger of the Lebanese grew on Wednesday, on the second day after the unprecedented collapse of the Lebanese pound’s value as the dollar exchange rate hit 10,000 pounds.

Protests against the worsening living crisis spread to several Lebanese regions. Roads were blocked with barrels and burning tires in the north, south and Bekaa region.

Progressive Socialist Party leader ex-MP Walid Jumblat criticized Lebanon’s political parties on Thursday, mainly the leader of the Free Patriotic Movement MP Jebran Bassil describing him as a “situation of absurdity.”