16 local infections, 4 cases from abroad recorded on Wednesday

AMMAN — Twenty COVID-19 cases, including 16 local infections, were registered in the Kingdom on Wednesday, increasing the caseload to 1,303, according to the government.

The local cases included five infections reported from Irbid — two working at the Jaber border crossing and three who contracted the virus from COVID-19 patients.

Also among the domestic cases are six people from Ramtha and another individual from Mafraq, who all work at the Jaber border crossing.

The remaining four local cases were registered in Amman, among them are two nurses, who came into contact with COVID-19 positive patients, according to a joint statement by the Prime Ministry and the Health Ministry.

The cases from abroad comprised four Jordanian truck drivers, who returned to the Kingdom through the Omari border crossing, the statement added.

Meanwhile, 26 recoveries were reported on Wednesday, including 25 from the quarantine area in the Dead Sea area and one from Prince Hamzah Hospital. 

Also on Wednesday, 6,641 virus tests were conducted, bringing the cumulative number of coronavirus tests administered since the onset of the crisis to 665,653.

The statement, which classified the Kingdom's epidemiological status as “moderate-risk level” reminded the public that Defence Order No.11 for 2020, which obligates people to wearing gloves and face masks while in public, will be enforced as of Saturday, due to the re-emergence of local infections.

The government also reminded the public that curfew hours will be extended as of Saturday, during which public movement will be permitted until 12 midnight and businesses will be allowed to operate until 11pm.

The Health Ministry has also renewed its call on the public to abide by precautionary measures, mainly wearing face masks and maintaining physical distancing norms.

It also warned against practices that violate public safety, mainly gathering of more than 20 people.

The ministry urged the citizens to use the “Sahtak” (your health) application for smartphones, which provides users with the latest information and news related to the COVID-19 disease, in addition to “Aman” (Safety) application, which alerts users if they come into contact with a person infected with the virus.