Jordan: Authorities impose restrictions and increase curfew hours in Ramtha August 17 /update 30

Event

Jordanian authorities will impose movement restrictions in Ramtha (Irbid province) beginning 06:00 (local time) on Monday, August 17, following an increase in locally transmitted cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Individuals will be prohibited from entering and leaving Ramtha. Those required to travel for work will reportedly be permitted to do so, following the instructions of local authorities. Entry permits will be required for supply chain shipments.

Authorities will also increase the nightly curfew hours; a nationwide nightly curfew which runs from 23:59 to 06:00 will increase in Ramtha to between 20:00 and 06:00. As such, businesses in the area will be able to operate until 20:00 only. Essential workers and medical personnel remain exempt from the curfews.

Authorities have eased restrictions elsewhere in the country in recent weeks. Public gatherings of up to 20 people are permitted. Movement between governorates is permitted, 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 parks, cinemas, and wedding halls remain closed. Businesses are allowed to stay open until 23:00. Public transportation is operational at 50 percent capacity. Social distancing measures are enforced, with individuals required to keep 1.5 meters (5 ft) apart. It remains compulsory for all individuals to wear protective gloves and masks in public spaces and infractions are punishable by fines.

International commercial flights remain suspended indefinitely, though repatriation flights may continue. Land and sea borders remain closed to passenger travel. The Jaber land border crossing with Syria remains closed to all trade until at least August 20, following an uptick in cases originating in Syria.

As of Sunday, August 16, there have been 1339 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 11 associated fatalities in Jordan. 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 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with 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.