Jordan: Authorities ease COVID-19 measures as of May 12 /update 19

Event

On Tuesday, May 12, Jordanian authorities eased measures in place to counter the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Media Minister Amjad Adaileh announced that the nationwide curfew would be reduced to between 19:00 and 08:00 (local time), and that limitations placed on all forms of public transportation would be lifted, provided vehicles operate at 50 percent capacity and adhere to public safety measures. Adaileh further announced that there would be a total ban on vehicles on the first day of Eid Al Fitr, scheduled for Saturday, May 23. On Sunday, May 24, private vehicles in Amman, Zarqa, and Balqa provinces will be permitted to circulate based on even or odd license plates, with current restrictions applying to the rest of the country. Lastly, Adaileh stated that public sector workers will return to work on Tuesday, May 26.

The government announced that most businesses would be permitted to reopen from Wednesday, May 6, although places of social gathering such as cinemas, restaurants, and places of worship remain closed. The comprehensive Friday curfew will remain in place until further notice, and travel between provinces is restricted. Land and sea borders remain closed, and flights in and out of Jordan are suspended. These measures are due to be reviewed on Monday, May 25.

As of Thursday, May 14, there are 582 confirmed COVID-19 cases and nine associated fatalities in the country. 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.