Jordan: Authorities to extend the nationwide nightly curfew to 1900-0600 starting March 13 /update 64

Jordan to extend existing nationwide nightly curfew to 1900-0600 beginning March 13 amid tightening of COVID-19 restrictions.

Event

Authorities in Jordan have issued orders extending the kingdom's nationwide nightly curfew by three hours to 1900-0600 beginning March 13 due to COVID-19 activity; the curfew is currently in effect between the hours of 2200-0600. An existing 24-hour Friday curfew will remain in effect through at least the end of March; Friday prayers and other religious gatherings are prohibited. Residents are required to stay in their homes and limit nonessential movement during curfew hours. Restaurants and pharmacies are permitted to remain open during curfew hours but are limited to delivery service only. Most other businesses may operate between the hours of 0600-1800; establishments in the agricultural sector may begin work at 0500. Furthermore, the capacity of public transportation will be reduced to 50 percent through at least the end of March. Nightclubs, bars, sports clubs, public parks, and swimming pools are required to close.

A number of restrictions on international travel also remain in force. All international travelers aged five years or older must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their scheduled flight. Travelers are required to test again at their own expense on arriving in Jordan; the fee for this second test must be paid online prior to arrival. Upon successful registration and payment, travelers will receive a QR code to present to authorities. All individuals entering Jordan must download the AMAN COVID-19 contact tracing application and complete a health declaration form; they must also have valid health insurance for the duration of their visit. Arriving passengers who test negative for COVID-19 are no longer required to self-quarantine. International travelers who have departed from the UK less than 14 days prior to arrival in Jordan will be barred from entry; only Jordanian citizens traveling from the UK with their final destination in Amman are exempt from the measure.

The Al-Mudawara, King Hussein Bridge, and Sheikh Hussein Bridge land border crossings are open. Travelers who wish to transit these crossings must complete a Travel Declaration Form that requires them to submit personal information and obtain a QR code. Travelers must also provide negative results from a COVID-19 test; a second COVID-19 test will be administered at the border crossing. Only a limited number of travelers per day are 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 Syria is open to trade.

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. 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.