Dubai- Jordan announced the closure of its sea borders with Egypt and a travel ban to Syria and Lebanon, in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus into the kingdom.
The Hashemite kingdom closed off air travel to Lebanon and Syria and sea travel to Egypt, as part of its precautions to minimise its citizens’ contacts with coronavirus –affected countries.
It earlier suspended flights to and from Italy.
Jordan, which confirmed its first COVID-19 virus case on March 2, is considering closing its common borders with the West Bank as the number of Palestinians affected by the coronavirus continues to climb.
The Jordanian government also announced the temporary suspension of travel by land to Iraq, and allowed air travel through Arbil and Baghdad airports only. It banned travel from and to France, Spain and Germany, while reducing the number of flights from Egypt to half.
Other precautionary measures include suspending local and international conferences and events, with the exception for what the government approves. Jordan closed off the north and southern crossing and King Hussain Bridge on its borders with the West Bank.
Jordan, the Arab country least affected by the outbreak of coronavirus so far, is mobilising its efforts to keep the virus at bay. Health Minister Saad Jaber said we are doing our utmost to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Two weeks ago, Jordan's state carrier Royal Jordanian suspended flights between Amman and Rome until further notice and reduced flights to major Asian destinations.
Jordan’s Education Minister Tayseer Al Nuaimi said: “We have developed a comprehensive plan for distance learning in case of a decision to close schools.”
He said the ministry has prepared learning videos and materials for all educational stages. “The videos and other learning materials will be posted on an interactive learning platform for students to use, in case of the closure of schools,” the minister said.
However, there is no decision to close schools as Jordan is the least affected by the virus, and we hope the situation will remain like this, he added.
