Jordan: Authorities reduce COVID-related nationwide nightly curfew hours to 0001-0600 beginning Jan. 2 /update 60

Event

Authorities in Jordan plan to reduce the country's nationwide nightly curfew by two hours. Effective Jan. 2, new curfew hours will be 0001-0600 for individuals and 2300-0600 for businesses, as opposed to the current 2200-0600 curfew for individuals and 2100-0600 curfew for businesses. The measure is in place as part of ongoing efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Individuals in Jordan are required to stay in their homes and limit nonessential movement during curfew hours. The 24-hour curfew on Fridays, as well as the suspension of flights between Jordan and the UK, will continue until further notice. The flight suspension applies to both direct and indirect flights. The government plans to reevaluate these restrictions every two weeks depending on the country's epidemiological situation.

Exempted parties for the Friday curfew include the following: 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; pet store owners. Officials permit Friday prayers between the hours of 1115-1215 so long as worshipers travel to the mosque on foot, wear protective face coverings, and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Pharmacies are permitted to operate 1000-1800 on Fridays for deliveries only. Travelers departing the kingdom on Fridays will be required to show a copy of their ticket to the police.

Authorities have closed entertainment facilities nationwide until further notice; affected facilities include billiards and snooker halls, electronic game arcades, sports centers, and sports academies. Gyms, public swimming pools, and indoor play areas also remain closed.

The Al-Mudawara, King Hussein Bridge, and Sheikh Hussein Bridge border crossings are open. 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 negative results from a 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. Only between 100-150 travelers per day will be allowed to transit at each of the crossings. The Omari border crossing will continue receiving cargo shipments and diplomatic missions. The Nasib-Jaber border crossing with Syri is open to trade.

International commercial flights are operating 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 using a test taken 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; however, all travelers must 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 individual's expense. International travelers are required to have valid health insurance for the duration of their visit.

Authorities have extended exemptions for foreign workers wishing to leave the country until May 31. The exemptions include waiving residence and work permit fees to allow foreign workers and their families to leave Jordan due to the limited employment opportunities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to extend the deadline was due to travel restrictions and other difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic which have prevented workers from benefitting from the measure.

Domestically, nonessential travel between governorates is permitted. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites nationwide are operating. 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.