Jordan: Authorities announce exemptions on December 3 for the nationwide Friday curfew /update 56

Jordan announces exemptions on Dec. 3 for the 24-hour nationwide Friday curfew. Nightly 2200-0600 curfew remains in effect.

Event

On Dec. 3, authorities in Jordan announced exemptions for the nation's existing 24-hour Friday curfew; the measure is in force through the end of 2020 as part of ongoing efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Under the new instructions, exempted parties include: persons arriving in the kingdom via land border crossings; health sector employees; pharmacy owners; fuel distribution companies; employees working night shifts; commercial and food transport trucks; hospital patients; mechanics; and pet store owners. Travelers departing the kingdom on Fridays will be required to show a copy of their ticket to the police.

A nationwide nightly curfew between the hours of 2200-0600 for individuals and 2100-0600 for businesses is also in effect until further notice. Individuals in Jordan are required to stay in their homes and limit nonessential movement during curfew hours. Officials permit Friday prayers between 1115-1215 so long as worshipers travel to the mosque on foot, wear protective face coverings, and adhere to social distancing measures. Pharmacies are permitted to operate between the hours of 1000-1800 on Fridays for deliveries only.

Authorities have closed entertainment facilities nationwide until further notice; affected facilities include billiards and snooker halls, electronic game arcades, sports centers, and sports academies. Authorities previously closed gyms, public swimming pools, and indoor play areas throughout the country.

The Al-Mudawara, King Hussein Bridge, and Sheikh Hussein Bridge border crossings have reopened. Travelers who wish to transit the land border crossings must complete a Travel Declaration Form, where they will be required to submit personal information and obtain a QR code. Travelers must also provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within five days prior to their travel date; a second COVID-19 test will be administered at the border crossing. Instructions for self-quarantine will vary according to the traveler's country of origin. The number of travelers will be limited to between 100-150 travelers per day at each of the crossings. The Omari border crossing will continue receiving cargo shipments and diplomatic missions. Authorities previously reopened the Nasib-Jaber border crossing with Syria to trade.

International commercial flights have resumed at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). All travelers entering Jordan must download the AMAN COVID-19 tracking application and complete a Travel Declaration Form, where they will be required to submit personal information and obtain a QR code. Travelers must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 no more than five days before their scheduled flight. Travelers are required to test again at their own expense upon arrival in Jordan. Institutional quarantine is no longer required for arriving passengers as of Sept. 23; all travelers are required to quarantine at their residence for a period of seven days. Another COVID-19 test will be conducted on the seventh day of home quarantine at the expense of the traveler. International travelers are required to have valid health insurance for the duration of their visit.

Domestically, nonessential travel between governorates is now permitted. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites nationwide have resumed operations. Public transportation is operating at reduced capacity. Across the country, residents must wear face coverings and gloves while in public places; violators may be subject to fines. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.