Lebanon began a 25-day nationwide lockdown to limit the spread of the coronavirus as infections hit a new record in the tiny Mediterranean nation and patients overwhelm the health care sector, AP reports.

The lockdown in Lebanon is the third since the first case was reported in late February. It closes most businesses and limits traffic by imposing an odd and even licence plate rule on alternating days. It also reduces the number of flights at the country’s only international airport.

In Beirut’s commercial Hamra district, many shops were closed in the morning as police patrols drove by to make sure the lockdown was implemented. Police checkpoints fined motorists who violated the lockdown orders.