Gov’t reiterates need for COVID-19 preparedness

AMMAN — Citizens are aware of the power of the Jordanian state that applies laws on all without discrimination, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz said on Thursday.

Razzaz made the remarks during a videoconference held by Interior Minister Salameh Hammad to discuss ways to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and cooperation between the ministry and the National Centre for Security and Crisis Management (NCSCM), the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The prime minister highlighted the importance of high level of preparedness by all stakeholders to apply public safety measures during Eid Al Adha.

He also called for benefiting from the expertise of other countries in dealing with the possibility of having a second COVID-19 wave, noting that nations are not only aware of a second wave of the pandemic, but also in dealing with epidemics and environmental catastrophes.

Hammad said that cooperation and coordination between the ministry and NCSCM is ongoing around the clock and there is continuous consultation regarding issues that require quick decisions.

The minister added that any lenience in implementing health and preventive measures issued by stakeholders may have dire consequences, stressing that the Kingdom cannot remain isolated from the world and at the same time cannot compromise achievements in facing the pandemic, which requires the gradual reopening of sectors.

NCSCM Deputy Chairman Abdullah Touqan said that the relation of the centre with the ministry is characterised by quick and accurate exchange of information through administrative governors and liaison officers in each governorate.