Jordan: Authorities extend flight suspension until July 14 /update 25

Event

Jordanian authorities announced on Tuesday, June 30, that the suspension on regular commercial international flights would be extended until at least July 14, in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

On June 27, Jordan's Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, Tariq Hammouri, granted approval for entertainment and recreational activities within tourist resorts to resume. Amusement parks and arcades will also be allowed to reopen.

Additionally, the Crisis Cell responsible for Jordan's response to the COVID-19 pandemic decided to suspend efforts being made to repatriate Jordanian nationals from abroad until July 10. The cell cited an increase in cases amongst already returned citizens who are undergoing quarantine as the reason behind pausing efforts to allow for the arrival, quarantine, and medical examination procedures in place to be reorganized. Those already booked to return will still see their trips go ahead.

As of Thursday, July 2, health authorities have confirmed 1133 COVID-19 cases in Jordan, with nine associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in 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.