Jordan: Authorities to further ease COVID-19 restrictions from June 6 /update 22

Event

Jordanian authorities announced on Thursday, June 4, that the country will ease some restrictions introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic from Saturday, June 6. From this date, the nationwide curfew will be shortened, running from midnight until 06:00 (local time) and inter-provincial travel will be permitted. Additionally, sports events will be permitted without spectators and worship places, restaurants, nurseries, cafes, and hotels will be allowed to reopen. Strict health and preventative measures will be in place for reopening businesses.

The Jordanian government has 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.

Additionally, land and sea borders remain closed, and flights in and out of Jordan are temporarily suspended. 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 June 4, authorities have confirmed 765 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.