Jordan: Authorities to impose nationwide lockdown between May 22-24 /update 20

Event

On Wednesday, May 20, Jordanian authorities announced a three-day comprehensive curfew from Friday at 00:00 (local time), May 22, through Sunday, May 24, to counter the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country. During this period, citizens will not be allowed to leave their residence, with the exemption of key personnel such as doctors, nurses, or essential workers. Minister Amjad Adaileh announced that the nationwide curfew will return to its current state on Monday, May 25, with the curfew being in effect between 19:00 and 08:00 daily.

There will be a total ban on vehicles on the first day of Eid Al Fitr, scheduled for Saturday, May 23. On Sunday, private vehicles in Amman, Zarqa, and Balqa provinces will be permitted to circulate based on even or odd license plates, with similar restrictions applying to the rest of the country.

Most businesses were permitted to reopen as of Wednesday, May 6, although places of social gathering such as cinemas, restaurants, and places of worship remain closed. The comprehensive Friday curfew will remain in place until further notice, and travel between provinces is restricted. Land and sea borders remain closed, and flights in and out of Jordan are suspended. Public sector workers will be allowed to return to work on Tuesday, May 26. All measures are, however, due to be reviewed on May 25. 

As of May 21, there are 672 confirmed COVID-19 cases and nine 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.