Circular No. 46 puts heavy toll on business owners

AMMAN — Facing the responsibility of enforcing pandemic protocols and implementing Circular No. 46 of 2021, private sector operators called for reviewing the provisions of the circular.

Circular No. 46 of 2021, concerning public gatherings, stipulates that malls, shopping centres, banks, telecommunications companies, galleries, tourist and popular restaurants, cafes, hotels, offices of electricity distribution companies, and water companies, are obligated to prohibit the entry or stay of individuals unless their vaccination is verified by the Sanad application.

The circular also requires that restaurants may not allow more than 10 people seated on one table inside the restaurant, and no more than 15 people seated on one table in the restaurant’s outer courtyards, provided that the distance between tables in all cases is not less than two metres.

A fine of JD1,000 is imposed on facilities for first-time violations, JD3,000 for the second time, and JD5,000 for the third time, the circular said.

Rateb Anas, a Jordanian restaurant owner, told The Jordan Times: “The pandemic has devastated my restaurant’s financial status, and I am unable to pay the fines in case of violating one of the circular’s provisions.” 

He added that Circular No. 46, is needed during the unprecedented circumstances due to the pandemic, but the business owner should not be the only one to take full responsibility.

“The fines imposed in the event of any violation should also be reviewed,” he said. 

Amid the current harsh economic situation, business operators are unable to hire an employee that would check customers’ vaccination statuses, said Anas Abdo, owner of a gallery in Amman. 

He said that until now everything went smoothly and he did not have any complications with the visitors. 

However, Osama Ajrmi who works as a security guard, told The Jordan Times that he now handles proof of vaccination at the door of a clothing shop.

“I have been instructed to check customers’ vaccination statuses, remind them to wear their face masks, and to assure their compliance with coronavirus safety regulations.” according to Ajrami.

Ajrami added that his employer is always on the watch for any possible violation of COVID health protocols and procedures, because the employer is the one who has full responsibility in accordance with Circular No. 46 of 2021.