Despite the repercussions of Beirut Seaport blast, the civil works at the ASHA Food safety facility Lab resumed after the Physical Plant personnel were forced to prioritize repairs at AUB campus facilities over any other renovation. In particular, concrete block walls were built to subdivide the microbiology Lab section (403) into three rooms, as per the initial plan.
Electricals, tiling and windows installation will follow soon. In terms of equipment, the real time PCR machine will be received shortly, while the evaluation of the bids for HPLC and GC/MS units will be concluded soon. Setting a specifications' list for other equipment is a continuous process that will next target the PCR hood and the deep freezers. It is worth noting that some obstacles were encountered, including inflation of prices of equipment and supplies by 35-40% due to currency devaluation and fresh money issues.