Jordan: Travel restrictions implemented due to coronavirus February 23 /update 1

Event

Jordan announced on Sunday, February 23, that it would bar entry to Chinese, Iranian, and South Korean citizens and individuals that have transited through those countries to prevent further spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). According to government officials, the ban will be temporary and will not apply to Jordanian citizens. However, Jordanians arriving from those countries will be placed under quarantine for two weeks. The measure comes after Iran and South Korea reported a growing number of confirmed cases over the weekend. 

As of Sunday, February 2, the Jordanian government has been implementing quarantine and screening measures for travelers entering the country. All travelers arriving at Jordanian airports and land borders will be screened for the virus. Those displaying symptoms of the virus and have a travel record that may indicate possible exposure will be immediately moved to Al Bashir hospital in Amman for a 14-day quarantine.

To date, no coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Jordan.

Further international spread of COVID-19 is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in 34 countries and territories worldwide. Virus screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On February 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the COVID-19 outbreak is a "very grave threat."

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Potentially impacted travelers are advised to monitor the situation, prepare for transportation disruptions to and from Iran, and take appropriate health precautions. To reduce the general risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
• When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue - throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands
• If you have fever, cough, and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider
• Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments

In the case that symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness emerge either during or after travel, individuals are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their health care provider. Travelers returning from China who develop symptoms of pneumonia are advised to call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the spread of the disease.