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Warding off a second virus wave

Aug 12,2020 - Last updated at Aug 12,2020

As global coronavirus cases have surpassed the grim milestone of 20 million and the worldwide death toll exceeded 700,000, rumours and conspiracy theories related to the deadly virus are still doing the rounds on social media, with some even questioning the existence of a pandemic.

It’s been more than six months since the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a global emergency. 

At a time when the entire world is reeling from the harsh economic impact of the pandemic — furloughs, layoffs, pay-cuts and closures, among others — and fears of rapid transmission, it’s unfortunate to see some remain oblivious to the scope of the novel coronavirus.

Noticing early warning signs, the Kingdom had imposed some of the most stringent lockdown measures worldwide to arrest the spread of the virus in tandem with rolling out an array of relief measures. Jordan’s prompt and effective response has reaped remarkable dividends in the fight against the pandemic.

In recent weeks, the country has eased its curfew measures after emerging relatively unscathed in the initial aftermath of the outbreak.

However, the situation on the ground at present with a spike in local infections warrants extra vigilance.

The government has announced that Defence Order No. 11, which obligates people to wearing gloves and face masks while in public, will come into full force on Saturday.

The general public’s lack of compliance with wearing face masks and physical distancing norms has forced the government to reenforce the defence law, according to the media minister.

With speculations about a possible second wave in the air, the harsh lessons learnt from the lockdown days must be put to good use. 

Health experts have been continuously warning that the coronavirus thrives on close human contact.

Following the key tenets of anti-virus efforts — maintaining physical distancing and good hygiene while adhering wholeheartedly to the government’s coronavirus protocols — are indispensable in warding off a possible second wave of the deadly virus.

Stringent implementation of health protocols and total public adherence are the need of the hour. 

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