‘Lockdown to be reintroduced if 10 local virus cases recorded every day for 7 days’

AMMAN — A reinstatement of strict measures and comprehensive curfews will only occur if 10 local coronavirus infections are registered daily over seven consecutive days, spokesperson for the National Epidemiological Committee Nazir Obaidat told The Jordan Times on Tuesday, responding to public confusion regarding a government announcement on Monday.

Minister of State for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh's statement on Monday regarding what will happen if the number of local cases increases spurred a general misunderstanding among the public, with many interpreting the statement to mean that the Kingdom would reimpose strict curfew measures if  a total of 10 local cases were registered over a seven-day period.

In light of the new cases recorded in Amman over the past several days, the confusion over the minister's announcement led to a public belief that business closures and tight lockdown measures would be back on the table in a matter of days. 

However, Obaidat explained that Adaileh was referring to 10 local cases each day for seven days, not 10 cases total over a seven-day period, noting that local cases do not include positive cases at border crossings and infections originating from abroad. 

As long as the number of local infections falls below 10 every day, "the epidemiological situation is considered good", Obaidat said. 

The committee spokesperson urged the public to adhere to preventive safety measures, noting that failure to follow heath measures could lead to an increase in cases and a worsening epidemiological situation in the Kingdom.

The "only way" to prevent the government from having to reintroduce the newly lifted lockdown measures is public adherence to preventive and protective regulations, he said.

The government eased lockdown measures on Saturday, June 6, permitting shops to open between 6am and 11pm and allowing many businesses in various economic sectors to resume their work.

Signalling a significant step towards normalcy, mosques and churches were also permitted to reopen, with worshippers allowed to go to mosques on foot to perform the dawn prayer, which falls within the curfew hours.

During Monday's press conference broadcast live from the Prime Ministry, Adaileh reiterated the importance of committing to public safety and preventive measures, including wearing gloves and practising physical distancing.

He also stressed that legal action will be taken against institutions whose employees and visitors do not adhere to safety regulations.