Jordan: Authorities order nationwide 48-hour curfew April 10-11 /update 10

Event

On Wednesday, April 8, Jordanian authorities announced that a nationwide 48-hour curfew will come into effect as of 00:00 (local time) on Friday, April 10. During this period, all movement will be prohibited, except for medical personnel and a limited number of employees and officials responsible for vital work.

On Sunday, April 12, previously enacted restrictions will return into effect. The measures permit residents to leave their homes between 10:00 and 18:00 to go to grocery shops, bakeries, pharmacies, and corner shops, though only on foot. Movement between provinces remains prohibited, as does gatherings of more than ten people. Additionally, all public transportation has been halted, and malls and commercial complexes are closed.

As of Tuesday, March 17, Jordan's air, land, and sea borders have been closed to inbound and outbound traffic.

To date, there have been more than 350 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, with six associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is expected.

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.