Random testing for coronavirus starts across Kingdom

AMMAN — The National Anti-Pandemic Committee on Monday began conducting random testing in areas of the Kingdom where no coronavirus cases have been detected, as well as areas that have witnessed only a few recorded cases, including in the south of the Kingdom.

Official Spokesperson for the National Anti-Pandemic Committee Nathir Obaidat told the Jordan News Agency, Petra, that the random testing will be part of the “first line of defence” against the virus, along with the Kingdom’s hospitals, doctors, nurses and Civil Defence Department personnel.

He said that health directorates in the Kingdom have been contacted, adding that samples will be taken from the specified regions by the end of the current week.

Obaidat added that testing may cover small grocery stores and markets and sanitation workers.

Minister of Health Saad Jaber had said during the Sunday press briefing that random testing would be started in the south of the Kingdom within a broader plan.

As of Sunday evening, according to official figures, the number of coronavirus cases in Jordan had reached 345.