Public urged to adjust to ‘new lifestyle’ of curfew

AMMAN — Curfew is a “new lifestyle” that Jordanians must get used to until the coronavirus is controlled, Minister of State for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh said on Saturday.

During a press briefing, Adaileh said that the government is dealing with the number of coronavirus cases “transparently” and there is “nothing to hide from the public”.

Referring to videos that went viral on social media on Saturday concerning coronavirus developments, the minister stressed that the information they aim to spread is “incorrect”, pledging to proceed with legal action against those who spread such videos.

He also highlighted the government’s seriousness in implementing Defence Order No. 2 through various security apparatuses to protect public health and safety, urging all to abide by the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army’s (JAF) regulations.

Currently, doctors and nurses are authorised to visit patients at their homes, he said, adding that the government is currently considering opening some pharmacies that were closed due to the nationwide curfew.

The minister also said that he received a call from HRH Crown Prince Hussein, who is closely following up on the latest developments of the coronavirus outbreak in the Kingdom. The Crown Prince commended the efforts of all people working to fight the pandemic, Adaileh added.

Also speaking at the briefing,JAF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Mukhlis Mifleh said that the army has taken necessary procedures to control the disease in cooperation with various ministries.

Regarding the level of public adherence to Defence Order No. 2, Mifleh said that it is “very high”, although army personnel have registered 392 violations, which will be handled according to the issued regulations.

He also noted that the Civil Defence Department has handled some 2,000 medical issues, including cases of kidney dialysis, births and other emergencies, in addition to disbursing medication.

The spokesperson added that personnel at the Royal Engineering Corps have so far sterilised seven hotels, including five in Amman and two in the Dead Sea area.

As for passenger movement through land border crossings around the Kingdom, Mifleh said that border crossings have been “completely closed” for the past 24 hours.