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Jordan slaps wristbands on arrivals to monitor virus quarantine

By AFP - Jul 04,2020 - Last updated at Jul 04,2020

The use of the electronic bracelet in Jordan began on Saturday for people who are self-isolating at home in order to ensure that quarantine rules are respected (Photo courtesy of Queen Alia International Airport Facebook page)

AMMAN — Jordan on Saturday began putting electronic bracelets on travellers who have recently arrived in the Kingdom to ensure that they observe home quarantine against the spread of the coronavirus, an official said.

People arriving in Jordan must isolate for 14 days at hotels designated by the authorities on the shores of the Dead Sea.

After that period, they must self-isolate for an additional 14 days at home, according to Nazir Obeidat, spokesman for Jordan's virus task force.

Obeidat told Al-Mamlaka TV that "the use of the electronic bracelet began on Saturday for those self-isolating at home" in order to ensure that quarantine rules are respected.

Jordan imposed tough measures, including curfews and the deployment of drones, in mid-March to curb the spread of COVID-19 before easing policies in early June.

The Kingdom has so far registered 1,150 coronavirus infections, including only 10 deaths.

But health authorities have almost daily been reporting new cases among Jordanians and foreigners entering the country.

They have also maintained measures such as social distancing and the compulsory use of face masks in most public places, with those breaking the rules fined.

Several countries around the world have turned to electronic tracking devices including bracelets and smart watches connected to special apps to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

In March, Hong Kong began ordering all arrivals from overseas to wear electronic bracelets to monitor observance of quarantine.

South Korea, China, Taiwan and Singapore have also employed a range of tech solutions to tackle the coronavirus.

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