Jordan sets single-day record for coronavirus cases

Sep 22, 2020

Jordan recorded its highest single-day coronavirus infection tally on Tuesday, Jordanian Health Minister Saad Jaber said, as the country struggles to contain a surge of new infections.

Of the 634 COVID-19 infections announced Tuesday, a majority were recorded in the capital, Amman. The country of 10 million has registered 5,679 COVID-19 cases and 33 deaths since the outbreak began. 

“The health minister urged people to abide by safety measures and social distancing, warning against the danger posed by gatherings and celebrations that flout safety measures,” state news agency Petra reported.

The coronavirus has also spread to Jordan’s under-resourced and crowded refugee camps. Earlier this month, the United Nations refugee agency confirmed the virus was detected for the first time among Syrians living in refugee camps.

Confronted with a spike in coronavirus cases, Jordan last Thursday suspended schools for two weeks and announced a series of nationwide restrictions. The government shuttered places of worship, cafes, restaurants and public markets, and schools switched to online learning for all but grades 1, 3 and 12.