Jordan: Curfew relaxed in Ajloun, Jerash, and Madaba April 29 /update 17

Event

Jordanian authorities announced the relaxation of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) curfews in Ajloun, Jerash, and Madaba on Wednesday, April 29. Residents in the three governorates are now at liberty to operate their vehicles from 08:00 to 18:00 (local time), though those under the age of 16 and over 60 are not permitted to travel in cars. 

Authorities also relaxed measures in Amman on Monday, April 27, and in Aqaba on Sunday, April 19 signaling that the government is making efforts to normalize the economy and daily life in a timely manner. In Amman, the same vehicle operation conditions apply, while transportation and taxi services will resume with capacity restrictions and require passengers to wear face masks and gloves. Select businesses are now permitted to open, including barber shops, beauty parlors, and dry cleaners, among others. An overnight curfew as of 18:00 remains in place through the holy month of Ramadan, on Saturday, May 23. 

The government of Jordan extended an ongoing commercial flight ban that was due to end on Monday, April 27, until Monday, May 11. 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 Monday, May 11. Jordan's air, land, and sea borders have been closed to inbound and outbound traffic since Tuesday, March 17.

Public sector closures are in place until the end of Ramadan, including government offices, schools, and universities. 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.

As of Wednesday, April 29, there are 449 confirmed COVID-19 cases and eight 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.