Kingdom records 2 new COVID-19 cases, 2 recoveries

AMMAN — The Kingdom on Wednesday registered two new cases of COVID-19, including an Arab-national driver who was entering Jordan, for whom the relevant protocols were applied, according to Health Minister Saad Jaber.

During the daily press briefing from the National Centre for Security and Crisis Management, Jaber said that the other new patient is a Jordanian driver who entered the Kingdom two weeks ago and lives in Mafraq. The driver underwent a coronavirus test and the positive result was confirmed on Wednesday.

The minister added that specialised teams went to the driver’s house and isolated the area while medical personnel began testing those who have been in contact with the driver and their contacts.

With the confirmation of the two new cases, the total number of infections in the Kingdom has increased to 473 since the onset of the outbreak in Jordan.

He also said that two patients left hospitals on Wednesday, leaving 58 still receiving treatment.

Epidemiological investigation teams on Wednesday carried out a total of 5,444 tests, raising the total number of tests since the beginning of the crisis to 97,110, he said.

Also speaking at the briefing, Minister of State for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh said that the Kingdom will observe a comprehensive curfew on Friday for 24 hours.

Adaileh said that the government has not reached a decision regarding the Eid Al Fitr holiday. The subject is under consideration and some strict measures will be imposed during the holiday, he said.

He also called on people not to visit each other during the holiday to preserve public safety.

The minister noted that the return flights for the second group of Jordanian students and citizens stranded abroad will start before May 15, adding that additional Royal Jordanian offices will be open in Irbid, Aqaba, Zarqa and Karak to avoid overcrowding while booking tickets for those wishing to return to the Kingdom.

Adaileh also expressed the government’s appreciation for the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, security apparatuses and medical personnel for their efforts in organising the quarantine procedures for those who returned to Jordan on Tuesday amid the unusual weather conditions.