Time to count on civic responsibility

As the novel coronavirus spreads to every nook and cranny of nearly every continent, nations across the world have been instituting partial to major lockdowns to stem the spread of the deadly virus, affecting almost all aspects of daily life.

Authorities in Jordan on Tuesday invoked the Defence Law to combat the outbreak of COVID-19 in the Kingdom, applying the necessary measure to preserve the health and safety of the public.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday directed the government to ensure that the implementation of the Defence Law and the orders issued under it will be “within the most limited scope possible”.

The prime minister affirmed that the political rights and freedom of expression are guaranteed and private property will not be harmed, emphasising that the right to life and good health is “sacred” and prevails over other rights.

Now, Jordanians are coming to terms with the new reality of life under virtual lockdown, with remote work and empty streets. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and in these strenuous times, exercising our civic responsibility and consciousness in following the outlined coronavirus protocol is the most effective tool we have to face this invisible enemy.

Authorities are doing all they can to contain the spread of the virus with minimal impact on the daily lives of citizens. It is also of significance that the Defence Law is being applied with kid gloves, while the government machinery works round-the-clock to ensure the smooth flow of essential services.

Furthermore, it is welcome news that the Central Bank of Jordan allowed banks to remain open on Wednesday and Thursday exclusively for the purpose of delivering salaries to citizens and disbursing temporary unemployment allowances and maternity allowances for clients who do not have ATM cards.

Now the ball is in the court of the public. Maintaining social distancing and good hygiene while adhering wholeheartedly to government’s coronavirus protocol is the least we can do as the citizenry. Let us rise to the occasion by upholding good citizenship, let us rise above these difficult times.