Jordan mulls easing lockdown restrictions to tackle coronavirus impact on economy

DUBAI: Jordan was considering easing curfew restrictions in areas with no confirmed cases of coronavirus, the Jordan News Agency reported, as the country tackles the pandemic’s impact on its economy.
A new defense order will be released in the next few days, according to Minister of State for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh, that will include measures supporting businesses affected by the outbreak.
Adaileh said Jordanian authorities were in talks over re-opening shops in governorates with no cases of COVID-19, as well as ease mobility restrictions to resume productive economic activity.
He said inter-city travel will still be prohibited, and establishments that do reopen will have to adhere to high precautionary standards, including only allowing a minimum number of employees.
Details of its implementation are yet to be announced, according to the Jordan state news agency.
This comes as a government taskforce announced on Monday a set of conditions for the private sector to resume work amid the lockdown.
The taskforce said private sector entities can return to work only if there is a “pressing logistical or economic health need.”
Adaileh also announced the formation of four dedicated committees to ensure the country’s capacity to provide sufficient medicine, food, and other essential goods during the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Jordan’s labor ministry said companies can request to implement pay cuts for furloughed employees based on several conditions including the companies’ overall financial capacity.
Wages can only be cut for a maximum of 50 percent, according to the ministry, and can only be applied to employees who are not required to do any job during the crisis.

Jordan mulls easing lockdown restrictions to tackle coronavirus impact on economy