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2020 coronavirus pandemic in Jordan | |
---|---|
Disease | COVID-19 |
Virus strain | SARS-CoV-2 |
Location | Jordan |
First outbreak | Wuhan, China |
Index case | Amman |
Arrival date | 2 March 2020 (1 month and 1 day) |
Confirmed cases | 310 [1] |
Active cases | 247 |
Recovered | 58 [1] |
Deaths | 5 [1] |
Official website | |
corona.moh.gov.jo |
The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic was confirmed to have reached Jordan in March 2020.
On 2 March, the Prime Ministry of Jordan reported the first case of coronavirus in Jordan.[2][3] The Jordanian had returned from Italy two weeks prior, before quarantine procedures for Jordanians returning from Italy had been put in place.[2][4][5]
There were no new reported cases of COVID-19 in the second week. Jordan remained coronavirus-free after the recovery of the first infection.[6]
On 15 March, the Minister of Health Saad Jaber announced that there were 11 new cases who had tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of positive cases to 12.[7] The number of cases reported included 5 Jordanians who had recently returned to the country from other parts of the world, 6 French tourists, and one Iraqi. Later that day, an additional case was confirmed, bringing the total number of positive cases to 13.[citation needed]
On 16 March, the Jordanian government confirmed 4 additional cases - 2 of the cases were for a Jordanian man and his daughter who returned to Jordan from Spain, and 2 cases were for 2 Jordanians who were in close contact with a positive case, later in the same day 6 more cases were confirmed that were in close contact with a patient who came from Spain. 6 additional cases were confirmed lately that day for people who went to a wedding in the city of Irbid and confirmed that the groom was one of the 6 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 29.[8]
On 17 March, the government confirmed 6 additional cases, one of the cases was a nurse who arrived to Jordan from Palestine 5 days prior. She was tested to check if she had the virus after showing symptoms, and it was confirmed that the test was positive, increasing the number of cases to 35.[9] The female nurse was working at the women's orthopedic department at Al-Bashir Hospital. All her colleagues at the department, and people she came in contact with, including her family were tested and underwent the 14 day quarantine procedure.[10] Five more cases were confirmed later that day, bringing the total of confirmed cases to 40.[11]
On 18 March, at 01:00 am, the Spokesman for the Jordanian National Committee for Epidemics Natheer Obaidat announced that the total number of COVID-19 cases in Jordan has reached 48, including one recovery. He also mentioned that the 14 new cases reported on Tuesday, March 17, were the infected citizens who arrived from abroad and others that had direct contact with the infected. During the afternoon of 18 March, 4 cases were confirmed, bringing the total up to 52 cases. Around 8:00 pm on the same day, 4 more cases was confirmed (from those quarantined), bringing the total number of the cases to 56.[citation needed]
On the evening of 19 March, 13 additional cases were confirmed, from which 11 were those who mixed with the infected, and one was from the Irbid wedding, and the 13th case was a quarantined case, bringing the total number of the cases to 69. The nationality of the new cases were eight Jordanians, one Filipino, one Argentinian, two Iraqis, and one Lebanese. By now, there were 4,892 people quarantined, 1,837 in Dead Sea hotels, and 3,055 people in Amman hotels.[12]
On 20 March, around 8:30 pm the Jordanian Government reported 15 additional cases, 3 of the cases were for 3 people from the same family whose sister was infected and came to Jordan from Norway, and 3 other cases were in close contact with people from the Irbid wedding, and 2 of the people that are quarantined in one of the hospitals, and 3 cases for people who were in close contact with an infected case, and 3 other cases were confirmed differently, and the last case have not been confirmed how he/she was infected, bringing the total of the cases to 84, including the only recovery case.[13]
On 21 March, around 8:15 pm, the Jordanian Minister of Health announced 15 new cases in Jordan, including 5 from the Irbid wedding, 3 quarantined in the hotels, 2 Iraqis infected from their parents, 1 infected from a previously infected brother, 1 infection in a Jordanian university, 1 of unknown origin, 1 from foreign Medical Staff, bringing the total number of cases to 99, including one recovery.[14]
On 22 March, there were 13 additional cases confirmed, one of the cases was for a 19-year-old man who came from Britain, and 5 more cases from Irbid's wedding, and 6 cases for people who were in close contact with a nurse who was infected, including an 83-year-old woman who was in mild to moderate condition, and one of unknown origin, bringing the total of the cases to 112.[15]
On 23 March, 15 additional cases of COVID-19 were reported in Jordan. Four of the cases were already in quarantine at Prince Hamzah Hospital, along with a female administrative staff member at the hospital. To date the 127 confirmed cases (126 active and 1 recovered) are the following nationalities: 103 Jordanians, 7 Iraqis, 6 French, 3 British, 3 Lebanese, 2 Filipinos, 1 Palestinian, 1 Argentinian, 1 Ugandan. Total quarantined 5050 persons, of which 3104 are in Amman, 1923 in the Dead Sea area, 23 in Aqaba, bringing the total number of cases in Jordan to 127.[16]
On 24 March, 26 additional cases were reported, including 12 cases from the Irbid wedding, 5 more cases who were in close contact with one of their family who was infected by a nurse, 3 British individuals, one Spanish individual who was in Romania, 1 American individual, 4 people who were in close contact with an infected person, bringing the total number of the cases to 153, including one recovery.[17]
On 25 March, 19 additional cases have been confirmed, including 1 Iraqi individual, 1 Jordanian individual who came from Switzerland, 8 cases for people who were in close contact with an infected person including 1 Sri Lankan Maid, 4 cases for people who were in close contact with an infected nurse, and 5 more cases from the Irbid wedding, bringing the total of confirmed cases to 172.[18]
On 26 March, Another case was declared recovered bringing the total recovered cases to two.[19][20] The patient had tested negative 4 days ago and was confirmed clear today.[21] Forty additional cases have been confirmed today, including 26 from the Irbid wedding, 2 Jordanian citizens who came from Switzerland, one Jordanian individual who came from the UK, 4 cases for people who were in close contact with infected people, 3 cases for people who were in close contact with a nurse, and one case for someone who was in Saudi Arabia before the Quarantine, 2 Iraqis one of them came from Britain before the Quarantine, and one individual of unknown infection origin, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 212.[22] As a result, the governorate of Irbid has been completely isolated from the rest of the Kingdom.[23] Today 385 people were arrested for violating the curfew, and 430 vehicles seized.[24]
On 27 March, 16 new recoveries was confirmed, bringing the total of recoveries to 18 recovery, and 23 additional cases have been confirmed, including 2 cases who were in Quarantine and came from the United States, 8 cases that were in close contact with people who are infected in a residential building in one of the regions in ammam, 1 individual who came from Pakistan l, 3 cases for people who were in close contact with an infected person who was in Saudi Arabia, 1 Lebanese individual, 1 case who was in close contact with an infected person, 5 more cases from irbid's wedding, 2 cases that have not been confirmed how they were infected yet, bringing the total of confirmed cases to 235, and the total of active cases to 217.[25]
On 28 March, The first death resulting from COVID-19 was confirmed in the kingdom. An 83-year-old woman who was admitted to a private hospital suffering from various illnesses along with blood poisoning was transported from a private hospital to Prince Hamzah Hospital upon discovery that she had contracted the disease. She passed away early this day.[26] Later in the evening, the total confirmed cases rose to 246 after 11 new cases were confirmed. Of those 11, 5 cases came from Irbid, 1 individual who was in close contact with an infected person, 1 woman who was in close contact with her infected daughter that was visiting from Norway, 3 cases from those already quarantined in hotels (2 of which came from the UK and 1 came from Baghdad, and the final remaining case is of unknown origin/cause, investigations are still ongoing. The health Minister announced that there are 3 cases in serious conditions.[27]
On 29 March, 13 additional cases have been confirmed, including 1 individual that was in close contact with her infected brother that returned from Egypt, 5 cases from Irbid, 1 individual that was in close contact with people who are infected in a residential building in one of the regions in Amman, 1 individual that was in close contact with people from Irbid, 2 cases of girls that were already quarantined upon returning from the UK, 1 individual who was in France, 1 case was reported from the Jordanian Royal Medical Services, bringing the total of confirmed cases to 259. Another death has been confirmed on the same day for a 77-year-old man.[28] Another confirmed death of a 64-year-old man was reported later this evening.[29]
On 30 March, the 4th death was confirmed, an 81-year-old woman who died as a result of complications from the virus, which caused her severe pneumonia.[30] Later that day 9 additional cases were confirmed, of which 5 cases of people who were in close contact with one of the recently deceased because of COVID-19, 2 cases from Irbid, 1 case was reported by the Jordanian Royal Medical Services, 1 case for a person who was already quarantined, bringing the total of the cases to 268 cases, the 5th death was reported on the same day, 8 new recoveries were reported[31] consisting of 4 French Tourists, 1 Argentinian, 1 Iraqi woman and 2 Jordanians.[32]
On 31 March, 6 additional cases have been confirmed, 4 cases for people who were in close contact with people from irbid, and 2 cases for people who were in close contact with someone who is infected, bringing the total of the cases to 274, 4 new recoveries was confirmed on the same day with a total of 30 recoveries in the whole kingdom.[33]
On 1 April, 4 new cases have been confirmed, of which 2 were already in quarantine (having arrived from Spain on 15 March), while the other 2 were in contact with infected people (1 in Jerash and 1 in Irbid).[34]
On 2 April, 21 additional cases have been confirmed, including 7 cases for people of the same family that were in close contact with their son who visited Spain and lives in Ramtha, 5 cases for people of the same family that were in close contact with an infected person, 5 cases for people of the same family who were in close contact with their infected father, 2 cases for people who were in close contact with their infected father, 1 individual that was in a visit to UK that was in the isolated hotels and when he returned to the house after the end of the 2 week isolation he tested positive, 1 individual from irbid's wedding, bringing the total of the cases to 299, 9 recoveries was confirmed on the same day with a total of 45 recovery.[35]
On 3 April, 11 new cases were confirmed, 6 of which were members of the same family who had interacted with their infected father, 1 case that had come in contact with an infected person in Amman (Hashmi Al-Shamali neighbourhood), 1 case for a lady who had contact with her infected nephews/neices, 1 case that came in contact with an infected person arriving from the UK, 1 case that came in contact with an infected person in Irbid, and 1 case that interacted with an infected person at Prince Hamzah Hospital. On the brighter side 13 persons were declared recovered today (10 at Prince Hamzah Hospital, 3 in Irbid).[36]
During the first weeks of the spread of the coronavirus in Jordan (March 2020), the Jordanian authorities declared that all whom are required for "isolation", will be quarantined in five-star hotels across the country, with the central government covering the costs. On March 18, the Jordanian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Majd Shawaika said that 1,900 people who came into the country during the last week have been placed in the Dead Sea resorts, while 3,000 were placed in Amman resorts and hotels. After visiting the location, Shawaika confirmed that the tourism company Jett has been securing the services to quarantine civilians. The minister also confirmed that there are 11,000 vacant suits ready to welcome any more quarantined individuals.[37]
The minister confirmed that all necessary measures have been taken in the hotels and resorts, such as necessary sanitation operations, and banning outside visits.[37]
As of 24 March the number of quarantined individuals is 5050 persons, most of which are located in hotels that have been rented out by the government and converted into quarantine facilities. The majority of these people have been placed in quarantine upon arrival to Jordan from abroad to wait out the virus's incubation period. The total number of rented hotels on March 24 has reached 34 hotels (23 in Amman, 10 at the Dead Sea area, 1 in Aqaba).[38]
On 27 February, Jordan temporarily banned people entering from China, South Korea, and Iran.[39] The kingdom has been screening everyone who enters Jordanian border crossings and airports, with mandatory chest and throat examinations as well as temperature checks. Jordanians who test positive will be quarantined for 2 weeks.[40]
The Jordanian government declared a state of emergency on 19 March and imposed a curfew on 21 March. There were long lines at bakeries and groceries before curfew took effect.[41]
The Jordanian government has authorized the use of hydroxychloroquine as an antiviral treatment for patients with advanced illness.[41]
Ministry of Health dedicated website for the COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan.[1]
Ministry of Health COVID-19 hotline: 111
On 6 March the Jordanian government made an agreement with Facebook to launch an awareness campaign regarding COVID-19. Facebook will present all site visitors from within the Kingdom with links to the Ministry of Health website promoting its content intended to increase awareness of the outbreak, preventative measures and tips to reduce the spread, and the dedicated facilities for testing and treatment.[42]
On 10 March, the following measures were announced:[43]
On 11 March The following measures have been announced:[44]
On 14 March, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz announced the following measures and directives that the government has undertaken to deal with the COVID-19 virus and in light of the accelerating international developments:
On 17 March, the Jordanian government announced several of Precautionary measures which are :[46]
A Royal Decree has been issued the same day, approving the cabinet's decision to announce the implementation of the National Defence Law No. 13 of 1992 in the Kingdom, as of Wednesday, 17 March 2020.[47]
Article 2 of the Defense Law explains its objectives. It stipulates that, "upon a decision and a Royal Decree, a National Defence Law shall be passed in case of emergency that would threaten the national security or public safety in all parts of the Kingdom or in a region due to war, disturbances, armed internal strife, public disasters or the spread of a pest or epidemic."
However, the third Article of the Law states:
The fourth Article of the Law states the powers of the Prime Minister under this law. The PM may exercise the following powers:
On 18 March The ministry of Tourism and Antiquities dedicates a round the clock toll free hotline number 91040 for enquirers and complaints of those under quarantine.[48]
On 20 march, The government has decided to impose a curfew in Jordan, as part of its measures to fight corona-virus.
Citizens will be officially banned from moving in all regions of the Kingdom, from 7:00 am tomorrow, until further notice.
As he announced the Defense Order No.2 during a press briefing today, Minister of State for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh pointed out that all the stores in all regions of the Kingdom will be closed.
On 22 March, the government allowed Gas and Water deliveries.
On 23 March, the government allowed doorstep deliveries of water, bread, and baby formula.
However, the government will announce on Tuesday, 24 March, specific times for people to get their needs within a mechanism that will be announced at that time.
"Anyone who violates the provisions of this Order and the measures issued by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence shall be liable to immediate imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year," Adaileh confirmed.
As for the emergency medical cases, citizens must inform the Public Security Directorate (PSD) or the Civil Defense Directorate (CDD) to take the necessary measures to protect their health and safety according to the rules.
People authorized by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense, based on their work nature, are excluded from the decision.
On 24 March, The Prime Minister Omar Razzaz announced that small neighborhood grocery and convenience stores along with pharmacies, drinking-water stores and bakeries, will be allowed to open from 10:00 to 18:00 starting Wednesday 25 of March. Citizens between the ages of 16-60 will be allowed to visit their neighborhood stores on foot only to get basic supplies; vehicles are still not permitted. Persons are to travel individually and maintain a distance of no less than 1.5 meters between one another at all times. Larger supermarkets are planned to be allowed to sell and deliver items to citizens homes starting Thursday 26 March.[51] This comes after the partially successful attempt to distribute bread to citizens directly to prevent them leaving their homes.[52]
On 25 March, The Ministry of Health receives 21,000 additional test kits and expands testing efforts. The MoH reaffirms that it is ready to test any suspected cases and urges citizens to contact the hotline 111 for all queries regarding "Corona".[53]
On 26 March, The Prime Minister announces Defense Order #3 for the year 2020:[54]
On March 30, The government started releasing Jordanians held in 14-day mandatory quarantine (inbound travelers). All individuals will sign/commit to self quarantine for the next 14 days. The government will undertake the transport of all individuals without cost to minimize interaction, mixing and exposure en route to their residences. 3337 persons of a total of 3679 were released. 2026 were held in hotels in Amman, 1311 in the Dead Sea region, and 16 in Aqaba.[55]
On March 31, The government started releasing non-Jordanians held in 14-day mandatory quarantine back to their residences. 1148 persons of 67 nationalities will be returned home after signing a commitment to another 14 days of self isolation at home. The government will also undertake the transport of these individuals as with Jordanians without cost to minimize interaction, mixing and exposure en route to their residences.[55] The government also announced Defence Order #4 for the year 2020.[56]