Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Al Khasawneh on Wednesday issued Defence Order No.25 pertaining to anti-COVID health measures.

Following are excerpts from the text of Defence Order No. 25:

"Based on the provisions of Article (3) of Defence Law No. 13 of 1992, to ensure abidance by preventive measures stipulated in anti-COVID-19 related defence orders, I decide to issue the following Defence Order:

The provisions of Paragraph 2 of the Second Clause of Defence Order No. 11 of 2020 are cancelled and replaced by the following:

A. Workers in any entity mentioned in First Clause of Defence Order No. 11 of 2020, who fail to abide by physical distancing, wearing face masks and preventive measures will face a fine of no less than JD20 and no more than JD50.

B. Private entities that violate Paragraph A of this clause shall be penalised with:

1. A fine of no less than JD500 and no more than JD1,000, in case the violation reported for the first time.

2.  Repeat violations bring a fine of JD1,000 and a seven-day closure for the entity.

The entities mentioned in First Clause of Defence order No.11 of 2020 include: Public entities, including ministries, government departments, official and public institutions and entities where services are provided directly to the public, including companies, institutions, establishments, malls, shopping centres and commercial stores, medical clinics and health centres.”