Jordan: Authorities delay resumption of international flights August 4 /update 28

Event

Jordanian authorities announced on Tuesday, August 4, that they have postponed the resumption of international flight services indefinitely. International commercial flight operations were planned to resume on Wednesday, August 5, but were postponed due to a global increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. Repatriation flights may continue to operate.

A curfew remains in effect in Jordan between the hours of 00:00 to 06:00 (local time). Movement between governorates resumed in June, and the tourist industry has reopened, with hotels, restaurants, bars, gyms, and nurseries operating at a limited capacity. Houses of worship have also reopened, and sporting events may go ahead without spectators. Educational institutions are closed until further notice and social gatherings are restricted. Public transportation is operational at 50 percent capacity. Social distancing measures are enforced, with individuals to keep 1.5 meters (5 ft) apart and wearing gloves and masks in public spaces. Infractions are punishable by fines.

As of August 4, authorities have confirmed 1224 cases of COVID-19 in the country and 11 associated deaths. 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 (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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 risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures: