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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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Aoun: Rebuilding Lebanon is Not Difficult if Intentions are Sincere

President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)
President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)
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Aoun: Rebuilding Lebanon is Not Difficult if Intentions are Sincere

President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)
President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)

President Joseph Aoun said the Lebanese “must unite to rebuild the country, a task that is not difficult if intentions are sincere.”
He underscored the importance of forming a government that aligns with the aspirations of the Lebanese people and enables the country to recover, particularly on the economic front.
Aoun pointed out that the swift formation of a government would send a positive signal internationally, demonstrating that Lebanon is on the right track. He reiterated that everyone must rise to the occasion, stating: “Those who cannot bear the responsibility should not hold positions of authority.”
Calling for collective efforts to serve the public good, Aoun remarked that Lebanon’s strength lies in all its citizens, regardless of sectarian affiliations. He stressed the importance of mobilizing the potential of both residents and expatriates to contribute to the nation’s revival.
The president made these statements during a meeting with Catholicos Aram I of the Armenian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan of the Syriac Catholic Church, and Catholicos-Patriarch Raphael Bedros of the Armenian Catholic Church. The three religious leaders visited the presidential palace to congratulate him on his election.
“We are at a crossroads. While we have many opportunities ahead, it is up to us to either seize them or lose them. We must unite to rebuild the country, a task that is not difficult if intentions are sincere. Otherwise, we must bear the consequences of our choices,” the president said.
He continued: “We have received many positive signals and invitations from abroad. In return, we must also send positive messages. God willing, this will culminate in the formation of a government that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese people, functions effectively, and allows the country to recover, especially economically, so it can get back on the right path.”
Aoun concluded: “Lebanon has untapped potential, both at home and within its diaspora, that must be activated to serve the country. This requires an approach based on prioritizing the public interest with transparency and cooperation. This is what the world expects from us, and if we achieve it, they will support us.”