Jordan: Public and private sectors to resume work on May 26 /update 21

Event

The Jordanian government has announced that both the public and private sectors will resume work on Tuesday, May 26, following a two-month stoppage which was initiated on March 21, amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to media sources, the working hours for the public sector will be from 08:30 to 15:30 (local time). A night curfew will remain in place until further notice, despite the easing of tight lockdown measures, which is in effect between 19:00 and 08:00 daily. Most businesses were permitted to reopen as of Wednesday, May 6, though social gathering places such as cinemas, restaurants, and places of worship remain closed.

Separately, inter-provincial travel is restricted, land and sea borders remain closed, and flights in and out of Jordan are temporarily suspended. Social distancing rules remain in place; individuals must keep a 1.5 m (4.9 ft) distance between them and other people in public places, and individuals should wear gloves and masks when entering public places.

As of Monday, May 25, there are 711 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Jordan and nine associated fatalities. 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.