Coronavirus, oil price may dash Lebanon's aid hopes - minister

FILE PHOTO: A Beirut sign is seen in an empty Beirut Souks after Lebanon declared a medical state of emergency on Sunday as part of the preventive measures against the spread of coronavirus, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, March 16, 2020. REUTERS/Aziz Taher/File Photo

BEIRUT (Reuters) - The impact of the coronavirus and falling oil prices may have damaged Lebanon's chances of securing aid from foreign states, the economy minister said on Tuesday, adding that IMF aid should be considered as an option alongside others.

Lebanon is suffering its worst financial crisis since independence in 1943.