Jordan king chairs meeting as new curfew imposed

Jordan will impose a 48-hour comprehensive curfew in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Government spokesperson Amjad Adaileh said in a press briefing on Wednesday the curfew will come into effect at midnight on Thursday.

Jordan has recorded 358 confirmed cases, including six deaths.

On March 14 authorities imposed an indefinite round-the-clock curfew before providing limited times for people to shop for basic goods on foot.

Authorities were seen patrolling the streets of Amman, checking the reasons residents were not to at home.

More than one thousand Jordanians were detained for violating the curfew and more than 500 vehicles were impounded between Tuesday and Wednesday, officials said.

Meanwhile, King Abdullah II called on the government to work to protect small enterprises and their workers, as they are essential to the national economy.

He affirmed during a meeting with top Jordanian officials the importance of a continuous coordination with the private sector to take measures in order to deal with the economic repercussions and contribute to the gradual return to life and economic work, a Royal Court statement said.

The King called for the pharmaceutical and medical equipment production industry to be expanded, the statement added.

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 could lead to death.