Jordan: Authorities to extend the nationwide nightly curfew to 1900-0600 starting March 13 /update 63

Jordan to extend existing nationwide nightly curfew to 1900-0600 beginning March 13 amid tightening of COVID-19 restrictions.

Event

Authorities in Jordan plan to extend the kingdom's nationwide nightly curfew by three hours to 1900-0600 beginning March 13 due to COVID-19 activity; the curfew is currently in effect between the hours of 2200-0600. The existing 24-hour Friday curfew will remain in effect through at least the end of March; Friday prayers and other religious gatherings are prohibited. Residents are required to stay in their homes and limit nonessential movement during curfew hours. Restaurants and pharmacies are permitted to remain open during curfew hours but are limited to delivery service only. Most other businesses are permitted to operate between the hours of 0600-1800; establishments in the agricultural sector may begin work at 0500. Furthermore, the capacity of public transportation will be reduced to 50 percent through at least the end of March. Nightclubs, bars, sports clubs, public parks, and swimming pools are required to close.

A number of restrictions on international travel also remain in force. The Al-Mudawara, King Hussein Bridge, and Sheikh Hussein Bridge border crossings are open. Travelers who wish to transit the land border crossings must complete a Travel Declaration Form, where they will be required to submit personal information and obtain a QR code. Travelers must also provide negative results from a COVID-19 test taken within five days prior to their travel date; a second COVID-19 test will be administered at the border crossing. Instructions for self-quarantine will vary according to the traveler's country of origin. Only between 100-150 travelers per day will be allowed to transit at each of the crossings. The Omari border crossing will continue receiving cargo shipments and diplomatic missions. The Nasib-Jaber border crossing with Syria is open to trade.

International commercial flights are operating at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). All travelers entering Jordan must download the AMAN COVID-19 tracking application and complete a Travel Declaration Form, where they will be required to submit personal information and obtain a QR code. Travelers must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a test taken no more than five days before their scheduled flight. Travelers are required to test again at their own expense upon arrival in Jordan. Institutional quarantine is no longer required for arriving passengers; however, all travelers must quarantine at their residence for seven days. Authorities will conduct another COVID-19 test on the seventh day of home quarantine at the individual's expense. International travelers are required to have valid health insurance for the duration of their visit. The suspension of flights between Jordan and the UK, which applies to direct and indirect flights, will continue until further notice.

Authorities have extended exemptions for foreign workers wishing to leave the country until May 31. The exemptions include waiving residence and work permit fees to allow foreign workers and their families to leave Jordan due to the limited employment opportunities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to extend the deadline was due to travel restrictions and other difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which have prevented workers from benefitting from the measure.

Domestically, nonessential travel between governorates is permitted. Across the country, residents must wear face coverings and gloves while in public places; violators may be subject to fines. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.