Jordan Gradually Begins Reopening Economy

A man shops at a market in Amman, Jordan. (Reuters)
A man shops at a market in Amman, Jordan. (Reuters)
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Jordan Gradually Begins Reopening Economy

A man shops at a market in Amman, Jordan. (Reuters)
A man shops at a market in Amman, Jordan. (Reuters)

Jordan’s government order to reopen economic sectors “gradually and safely” came into effect on Tuesday and will be applied within a three-month period as it attempts to return to normal following the coronavirus pandemic.

Sports centers and academies, fitness centers, sports clubs, indoor swimming pools in hotels and residential and tourist complexes, public swimming pools, equestrian clubs, academies and vocational and technical training centers resumed operation and were allowed to open in accordance within specified working hours.

Also, Turkish and oriental baths, billiards and snooker centers, arcade games centers, amusement parks and indoor children’s playing areas reopened their doors on Tuesday.

The decision further included cinemas, educational and cultural centers and health clubs. It allowed the serving of hookahs outdoors at squares, restaurants, cafes and hotel facilities.

Starting mid-June, people who received the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine will be able to move and roam the kingdom’s cities during curfew hours.

Under the decision, people wishing to visit the opened facilities will have to present their ID card, health verification code or vaccination certificate through the “Sanad” mobile app. Violators may face a fine of up to 50 dinars.

Jordan has confirmed 737,284 infections and 9,472 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.



Israeli Airstrikes Hit Buildings Near Beirut Airport

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on the Dahieh district in southern Beirut, Lebanon, 26 November 2024. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on the Dahieh district in southern Beirut, Lebanon, 26 November 2024. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
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Israeli Airstrikes Hit Buildings Near Beirut Airport

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on the Dahieh district in southern Beirut, Lebanon, 26 November 2024. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on the Dahieh district in southern Beirut, Lebanon, 26 November 2024. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH

Israeli jets Tuesday struck at least six buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including one that slammed near the Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Large plumes of smoke could be seen around the airport near the Mediterranean coast, which has continued to function despite its location beside the densely populated suburbs where many of Hezbollah’s operations are based.
The strikes come hours before Israel’s cabinet was scheduled to meet to discuss a proposal to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The proposal calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River.
There were no immediate reports of casualties from Tuesday’s airstrikes.