Jordan: Authorities to lift restrictions on economic activity from May 6 /update 18

Event

Jordanian authorities announced that they will lift all restrictions on economic activity as part of the country's latest measures to ease the ongoing lockdown from Wednesday, May 6. The government has been gradually relaxing restrictions over the past two weeks, allowing businesses to go back to work but with lower levels of staff, as well as social distancing and hygiene guidelines. Businesses will be permitted to reopen at full production capacity provided Jordanians comprise at least 75 per cent of employees in the company. Additionally, public transport will be allowed to resume but at 50 per cent seating capacity. The government has also lifted restrictions on driving, and individuals can use their vehicles from 08:00 to 18:00 (local time) nationwide. However, an overnight curfew remains in place from 08:00 to 18:00; individuals may only leave their homes for essential purposes such as visiting the grocery store or pharmacy. A 24-hour curfew is in effect on every Friday during Ramadan. Universities and schools remain closed as a precautionary measure. Restaurants and cafes are allowed to operate but can only provide delivery services. Meanwhile, public swimming pools, sports clubs, places of worship, wedding halls and other places of entertainment remain shut. Movement between provinces remains prohibited, as are gatherings of more than ten people.

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. Jordan's air, land, and sea borders have been closed to inbound and outbound traffic since Tuesday, March 17.

As of Sunday, May 3, there are 461 confirmed COVID-19 cases and nine associated fatalities in the country. Minister of Health Saad Jaber added that no new cases of the virus were reported on May 3. 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.