Jordan announces lockdown in effort to contain coronavirus
Jordan’s King Abdullah approved the activation of Defense Law No. 13 as part of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus, but some officials fear the measure will deeply impact the kingdom’s fragile economy.
Jordan went into an unprecedented lockdown March 18, a day after King Abdullah II issued a decree activating Defense Law No. 13, which gives the prime minister extra powers to enforce a set of measures to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.
On March 16, the government adopted a number of decisions including the deployment of the army in and around cities and on main highways connecting provinces. It also closed most government ministries and private sector offices, including banks, for a period of two weeks. It suspended all international flights as of March 18 and closed its land borders. It called on Jordanians to stay home and not go out unless it was absolutely necessary. All schools across the kingdom have been closed until further notice.
