Jordan imposing 24-hour lockdown to curb coronavirus transmission

The Jordanian armed forces was tasked to implement the 24-hour lockdown. (Reuters)
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  • Officials: current period is ‘infinitely sensitive’ and ‘extremely critical’
  • Medical personnel are exempted from the lockdown

DUBAI: Jordan is imposing a 24-hour lockdown starting midnight on Thursday, effectively shutting operations of commercial establishments and limiting movement across the Kingdom.

The current period is “infinitely sensitive” and “extremely critical”, Jordanian media and health officials said, as they urged the citizens to comply with the latest instructions so the government can “crown its collective efforts” with a successful end to the coronavirus crisis.

Jordan reported six new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases in the Kingdom to 274.

Amjad Adaileh, Minister of State for Media Affairs, however the noted that medical personnel are exempted from the lockdown, and other exemptions would be announced later.

He also said that the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and security services will increase patrols in villages and neighborhoods outside cities to enforce the curfew starting on Thursday, adding that the provisions of Defense Law will be applied to all violators.

Adaileh also said that all paper permits will be cancelled as of Thursday at 6p.m. and e-permits will be issued instead as replacements.