Epidemiological situation in Jordan remains under control — Obaidat

AMMAN — As Jordan recorded its highest coronavirus daily infection rate on Saturday, the efforts of the health sector are to be intensified to identify and deal with cases swiftly, but the epidemiological situation remains under control, according to Spokesperson of the National Anti-Pandemic Committee Nazir Obaidat.

"Testing and tracing contacts of coronavirus patients is to be increased at this point, and hospitals need to increase their patient capacity, especially in intensive care units," Obaidat told The Jordan Times on Sunday over the phone. 

The government will continue to update its measures to deal with the virus based on epidemiological developments, Obaidat said, noting that citizens also ought to "commit more than ever" to physical distancing, wearing facemasks and maintaining hygiene. 

Regarding the anti-virus strategy, Obaidat said that there will be changes to the way testing is done, especially in regard to boosting testing capacity and increasing the number of labs across the Kingdom.

As Jordan has reached the stage of community transmission, officials expect cases will continue to increase, and Obaidat said that medical cadres and available medical equipment can handle the expected increase.

The Kingdom on Saturday registered four COVID-19 deaths and 850 new virus cases, including 830 local infections, according to the government. On Friday, three virus-related deaths and 620 coronavirus cases, including 610 local infections, were recorded in the Kingdom.