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Jordan Reimposes Friday Curfew as Virus Surges

FILE Photo: Jordan has reimposed an all-day curfew on Fridays to stem the spread of coronavirus as cases rise - AFP
FILE Photo: Jordan has reimposed an all-day curfew on Fridays to stem the spread of coronavirus as cases rise - AFP
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Jordan Reimposes Friday Curfew as Virus Surges

FILE Photo: Jordan has reimposed an all-day curfew on Fridays to stem the spread of coronavirus as cases rise - AFP
FILE Photo: Jordan has reimposed an all-day curfew on Fridays to stem the spread of coronavirus as cases rise - AFP

Jordan has reimposed an all-day curfew on Fridays to stem the spread of coronavirus as cases rise, officials said Wednesday.

“Starting this week, the government is imposing a curfew throughout the kingdom from 10 p.m. (2000 GMT) Thursdays until 6 am Saturdays,” Information Minister Ali Al-Ayed said in a statement.

Walking to a mosque for Friday prayers, however, is permitted, he said.

An existing nightly curfew will begin at 10 p.m. instead of midnight, while from Sunday a maximum of 30 percent of public-sector employees will be allowed at their workplace.

The toughening of COVID-19 restrictions returns Jordan to rules imposed in March last year, and which were only eased last month, AFP reported.

“The kingdom has witnessed a rapid spread of the virus in recent weeks. This is why swift and strict measures are needed,” Health Minister Nazir Obeidat said.

Jordan, which began vaccinations last month, has officially recorded more than 376,000 novel coronavirus cases and over 4,600 deaths out of a population of 10.5 million people.

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Yemen PM: Int’l Support for Yemen Includes Security, Defense Sectors

Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak during a previous meeting with the British Ambassador to Yemen (Saba News Agency)
Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak during a previous meeting with the British Ambassador to Yemen (Saba News Agency)
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Yemen PM: Int’l Support for Yemen Includes Security, Defense Sectors

Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak during a previous meeting with the British Ambassador to Yemen (Saba News Agency)
Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak during a previous meeting with the British Ambassador to Yemen (Saba News Agency)

Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak said international support for Yemen will go beyond politics and economics to include security and defense, aiming to strengthen the government’s ability to secure the country and its waterways.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the kickoff of an international ministerial meeting in New York to mobilize support for the Yemeni government, Bin Mubarak said: “For the first time, Yemen will be an active partner, and the international community will listen to its voice in a way that reflects a clear shift in the partnership between the Yemeni government and its supporters.”
The Yemeni government’s new plan, set to be unveiled at the New York meeting, has received backing from the United Kingdom, represented by Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer.
The event is expected to feature the official launch of Britain’s Yemen-led support initiative, known as “TAFFY,” which brings together Yemeni, British, and international experts and technical advisers working directly in Yemen.
According to British sources, TAFFY will also support Yemen’s coast guard by providing new equipment, enhancing capabilities, and offering advanced training. Minister Falconer is also set to announce an increase in the UK’s humanitarian aid to Yemen.

Bin Mubarak said his government’s plan, to be presented in New York, aims to shift from limited aid to a sustainable economic strategy that supports vital sectors and boosts private-sector partnerships.
“This effort is coordinated with the international community, including the UK, and supported by the Arab Coalition, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE,” Bin Mubarak said, adding that it reflects backing for Yemeni state institutions under the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC).
He noted that the visit focuses on political and economic issues and comes after recent Red Sea attacks, stressing the need for international support to help Yemen through this critical phase.
Bin Mubarak said international support is shifting toward backing his government’s economic plan, approved by the Cabinet and the PLC.
The plan aims to move from limited aid to a sustainable economic strategy, support key sectors, and strengthen partnerships with the private sector.
The Yemeni premier added that the New York meetings and international commitments will also focus on security and defense to help the government secure Yemen and its waterways.