Jordan: Authorities extend flight ban until May 11 /update 15

Event

The government of Jordan extended an ongoing commercial flight ban that was due to end on Monday, April 27, until Monday, May 11 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The extension will also apply for the closure of all land and sea borders. The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has also stated that there are strong indications that these measures will remain in place beyond May 11. Jordan's air, land, and sea borders have been closed to inbound and outbound traffic since Tuesday, March 17.

Jordanian authorities announced on Wednesday, April 22, that the ongoing nationwide curfew will be extended through the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is expected to fall between Thursday, April 23, and Saturday, May 23. Jordanians are therefore able to leave their homes for essential goods and services only from 10:00 to 18:00 (local time) starting April 23. Religious gatherings in mosques are banned and the government has ordered the closure of all mosques and public places of worship during Ramadan, suspending the traditional daily evening prayers in public.

Public sector closures are in place until Thursday, April 30. Public institutions, ministries, and public schools, including universities, will be suspended. Movement between provinces remains prohibited, as are gatherings of more than ten people. Additionally, all public transportation has been halted, and malls and commercial complexes are closed. However, restrictions have been lifted for the construction sector as of Tuesday, April 21, allowing employees to return to work.

As of Sunday, April 26, there are 447 confirmed COVID-19 cases and seven associated fatalities in the country. Further international spread of the virus 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 (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 numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

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

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

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 a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.