Chaos reigned in Jordan March 24 as the authorities distributed bread to Jordanians amid a total lockdown and the closure of food stores in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. As of that day, there are 153 cases in Jordan.

The government pledged to distribute bread to citizens via municipal vehicles and public transportation buses. After the announcement, hundreds of citizens across the kingdom ran out to meet the buses, jostling each other despite police attempts to keep them apart.

The chaos prompted the government to reassess the distribution experience and step up calls to citizens to stay at home and wait for delivery. “Work is underway to solve the difficulties that have emerged on the first day of bread distribution to citizens," Local Administration Minister Walid al-Masri said in a March 24 press statement. "The distribution process is ongoing and there is enough stock for everyone, so there is no need for people to leave their houses, as everyone will have their share.”

Salah al-Lawzi, the director of the Land Transport Regulatory Authority, told Al-Monitor that an agreement has been reached with transportation companies, yellow taxis and ride-share vehicles to distribute bread.