Jordan marks major milestone in battle against coronavirus with no new cases in seven days

The kingdom took some of the toughest lockdown measures in the world to contain an outbreak of Covid-19, with people confined to their homes for weeks at a time and anyone breaking the curfew facing tough fines.

Health Minister Saad Jaber told the National Centre for Security and Crisis Management that the country had reached an important milestone with no new reported coronavirus cases for the seventh day in a row.

— Embassy of Jordan (@JoEmbassyUS) May 4, 2020" style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post A great milestone for Jordan in fighting #COVID19! For the seventh day in a row, no new coronavirus cases were recorded within the Kingdom. Jordanian efforts and perseverance have reaped tremendous benefits this week, as restrictions on economic activity continue to be lifted. pic.twitter.com/sIBAGn7m0D — Embassy of Jordan (@JoEmbassyUS) May 4, 2020

Four Covid-19 cases were discovered at a border crossing, but within the kingdom the situation appeared to be under control, he said.

Jordan started to ease the restrictions last weekend to encourage economic activity, after all shops, factories and offices were closed due to the Covid-19 threat. Authorities later allowed small corner shops to open for supplies.

Companies where more than 75 percent of the workforce are Jordanian will be allowed to resume full services, while public transport will operate with social distancing measures in place.

Businesses have been asked to operate lower staff levels and maintain strict hygiene measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

Only government offices that provide public services will re-open but at only 30 percent staff levels, rising to 50 percent at a later date.

People will also be expected to wear facemasks and travel between governorates remains restricted to passholders.

Jordan has been commended for its response to the coronavirus crisis and the tough measures it has enforced helped quickly limit the spread of the virus.

Jordan carried out tens of thousands of tests and recorded just 465 cases and nine deaths.


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