Jordan announced measures on Tuesday to implement a nationwide lockdown as its coronavirus outbreak worsened, Jordan News Agency (Petra) reported. They will take effect on Wednesday at 8 a.m. for a period of two weeks.
The measures include:
The private sector will be shut down, excluding the health sector and other vital sectors, Jordanian Prime Minister Omar Razzaz announced. Citizens may only leave their homes in extreme cases. All institutions and official departments will be closed except for vital sectors.
The Jordanian Armed Forces will be deployed at the entrances and exits of cities throughout the country to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Domestic travel will be restricted, Petra reported, without detailing what that entails. All public transportation will be suspended.
Gatherings of more than 10 people will be prohibited. Newspapers will no longer be printed. Malls and commercial complexes will be closed, except for food supply centers, pharmacies, bakeries, water, electricity and fuel supply chains.
Jordan has reported 35 cases of the coronavirus, including nine foreigners who were infected.
Other countries with many more cases have not taken similar action.
Quarantine camps will be set up at border crossings for Jordanian citizens. Jordanians abroad will remain where they are.