Jordan: Authorities allow entertainment activities in resorts to resume but suspend repatriation efforts June 27 /update 24

Event

On Saturday, June 27, Jordan's Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, Tariq Hammouri, granted approval for entertainment and recreation activities within tourist resorts to resume. Amusement parks and arcades will also be allowed to reopen. Hammouri also stated that international exams could be held and special needs education centers could resume providing educational services within the terms of certain social distancing and health and safety criteria.

Also on Saturday, the Crisis Cell responsible for Jordan's response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic decided to suspend efforts being made to repatriate Jordanian nationals from abroad until July 10. The cell cited an increase in cases amongst already returned citizens who are undergoing quarantine as the reason behind pausing efforts to allow for the arrival, quarantine, and medical examination procedures in place to be reorganized. Those already booked to return will still see their trips go ahead.

On June 17, the Jordanian government confirmed that the suspension of international commercial flights and the closure of the country's land and sea borders will remain in place until at least July 4. It is indicated that these measures will likely continue beyond this date. Despite the extension, Royal Jordanian Airlines and Qatar Airways may be offering some repatriation flights during this period. Domestic flights between Amman and Aqaba were due to resume on June 17.

Jordanian authorities eased some restrictions introduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic from June 6. From this date, the nationwide curfew was shortened, running from midnight until 06:00 (local time) and inter-provincial travel is permitted. Additionally, sports events are permitted without spectators and places of worship, restaurants, nurseries, cafes, and hotels are allowed to reopen. Strict health and preventative measures will be in place for reopening businesses.

The Jordanian government announced that both the public and private sectors would resume work on May 26, following a two-month stoppage which was initiated on March 21. Strict social distancing rules remain in place; individuals must keep a 1.5 m (5 ft) distance between them and other people in public places, and individuals should wear gloves and masks when entering public places.

As of Sunday, June 28, authorities have confirmed 1011 cases of COVID-19 in the country and nine associated deaths. 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.