Armed Forces deploys units around Kingdom as gov’t announces new measures against COVID-19

AMMAN —  The General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army on Tuesday announced that it will deploy units at exit and entry points of cities throughout the Kingdom as part of increasingly rigid efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In an official statement, the General Command of the Armed Forces called on the public to follow all instructions issued by the deployed units around the Kingdom.

The General Command also announced that all medical checks at military hospitals and medical centres in all parts of the country will be suspended except for emergency cases.

Also on Tuesday, Minister of State for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh announced 12 new government measures issued by the Cabinet to combat the spread of the virus, all of which will be put into effect as of 8am on Wednesday for a period of two weeks.

The measures include suspending work for all official institutions and departments, except for vital sectors as determined by the prime minister and according to the recommendations of the concerned minister.

They also prohibit people from leaving their homes except in emergencies, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The government has also suspended work for the private sector, with the exception of the health sector and other vital sectors as determined by the prime minister. Medical operations and regular medical care have also been suspended, except for medical emergencies and emergency operations.

Gatherings of more than 10 people and travel between governorates are also prohibited, Adaileh announced.

The latest measures also include the halting of public transport and the printing of newspapers, as they contribute to the spread of COVID-19.

Pharmacies, supermarkets and grocery stores, bakeries, food and medicine supply chains, and providers of water, electricity and fuel will continue to operate. However, malls and commercial complexes will be closed, with only supply centres and pharmacies to remain open.

The media minister also announced in a press conference held at the National Security and Crisis Management Centre that the government has launched a website providing all information and procedures related to COVID-19. The website is available through this link: http://www.corona.moh.gov.jo.

In a separate statement on Tuesday, the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army also called on citizens who wish to send any necessary supplies for those in isolation at quarantine sites to call the operating room numbers 0770406777 and 0797737705 (Amman) and 053493009 (Dead Sea) to hand over supplies at military points to be delivered to the quarantine areas.

The statement added that, in the event that citizens present in the quarantine hotels wish to make inquires, they should call the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army at the number 065000800.