King urges continued efforts to safeguard public health, says COVID-19 crisis has not subsided

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday urged taking stock of Jordan’s experience dealing with coronavirus disease, as well as countries where COVID-19 cases spiked after dropping, calling for investing in the Kingdom’s accumulated expertise to deal with any emergency.

 At two separate meetings with the military and civilian members of the COVID-19 Crisis Cell, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, the King commended the coordination and cooperation among various institutions and the National Centre for Security and Crisis Management (NCSCM), according to a Royal Court statement. 

During the meetings, also attended by HRH Prince Ali, NCSCM chairperson, His Majesty paid tribute to the ongoing efforts of the COVID-19 Crisis Cell and the essential role it has been playing, the statement said. 

Describing Jordan as a successful example in countering COVID-19 at the regional and international levels, the King called for continuing these efforts.

 Jordan succeeded in its professionalism and dedication to safeguarding the health of its people, His Majesty said, stressing that the crisis is still ongoing and these efforts must continue, according to the statement. 

The King highlighted the importance of building on what has been achieved, by maintaining the high level of coordination among all institutions.

His Majesty noted the need to prepare for a potential second wave, directing the government and relevant stakeholders to continue working to safeguard public wellbeing.

Calling for raising awareness of the danger of COVID-19 and encouraging the public to take the initiative in getting tested, the King said there is nothing shameful about being infected, but testing is a national responsibility that protects society, the statement said. 

His Majesty also pointed to the importance of encouraging citizens to use smartphone applications that help limit the spread of the virus, and commended the ability of the public and private sectors to utilise technology to adapt to the conditions imposed by the current stage.

The King said the challenges that have arisen are related to the economy and the importance of quick recovery, noting that the government has devised a plan to resume medical tourism, and implementation is expected to begin soon, the statement said. 

 His Majesty said he believes Jordan will come out of this crisis stronger, to become a major force at the regional level in the medical sector, pharmaceutical industries, and food security, which would enhance the Kingdom’s international standing.

Speaking at the meetings, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz highlighted Jordan’s successful efforts in countering COVID-19, adding that the current phase requires reviewing the experience so far to address shortcomings, especially those related to the economy, in order to begin recovery and ensure readiness for any new developments.

Razzaz pointed to the need for reforming the healthcare and education sectors, as well as introducing reforms to the economic infrastructure to enable Jordan to attract investments, according to the statement. 

Also speaking at the meetings, COVID-19 Crisis Cell Operations Director Brig. Gen. Mazen Farraya highlighted readiness to deal with various scenarios, while monitoring the pandemic’s developments domestically and internationally.

Members of the crisis cell spoke about the challenges encountered and measures taken to address them, and limit the spread of COVID-19 in Jordan.

Discussions at the two meetings also covered domestic, regional, and international developments, as well as economic concerns.