Jordan to Release New Defence Order Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases

The Cabinet on Sunday discussed the recommendations of the Supreme Framework Committee to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

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State Minister for Media Affairs Faisal Shboul, who is also government spokesperson, announced that a new defence order, based on the provisions of Defence Law No.13 of 1992, will be issued in the upcoming days to address the epidemiological situation in the Kingdom.

The new order will introduce a set of measures, including making the two-dose vaccine certificate mandatory for workers and visitors to enter all official departments and facilities of the private and public sectors as of the beginning of 2022, Shboul told the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Prime Minister and Minister of Bisher Al Khasawneh, during a Cabinet meeting, directed the related bodies to tighten control and increase inspection campaigns to ensure public adherence to COVID protocols, notably face mask wearing and physical distancing, the Media minister said. 

The new measures include urging all citizens and residents in the Kingdom, over the age of 18, especially those over 50 years, to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot, he said.

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The measures also include the requirement of a paternal consent (optional) for the vaccination of minors aged 12-17, the minister noted.

The premier directed the competent authorities to strictly enforce defence orders and circulars related to the epidemiological situation in the Kingdom, Shboul said.