Jordan King views possibility of resuming trade

Jordan's King Abdullah II on Sunday directed the government to study the potential of gradually resuming operations of productive sectors and exporting local products to support the Jordanian economy, a Royal court statement said.

During the National Policies Council meeting, held by video conference amid coronavirus measures, Abdullah called for solutions that could maintain the balance between preserving public health and implementing economic plans.

The plan targets resuming the work of small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Abdullah also directed the government to be prepared for the period after the coronavirus crisis and to find ways to empower the private sector.

The King also called for providing coronavirus testing kits and increasing testing around the kingdom.

During the meeting, the King was briefed on the progress of the measures taken across all sectors to deal with the spread of coronavirus, the statement added.

Jordanian authorities imposed an indefinite round-the-clock curfew on March 14 to combat the spread of coronavirus.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The vast majority of people recover. Jordan has reported 345 infections and five deaths from the COVID-19 illness caused by the virus.