Lebanon Confirms First 3 Cases of COVID-19 Delta Variant

Lebanon has confirmed its first cases of COVID-19 Delta variant, caretaker Health Minister Hamad Hasan said Friday.

The state-run National News Agency quoted Hasan as saying three cases of the Delta variant have been confirmed but gave no further details. Hasan urged residents to vaccinate "because it is the only protection, in addition to preventive measures."

Studies released in Britain last month showed the Delta variant doubled the risk of hospitalization, but that two doses of vaccine provided strong protection.