AMMAN - His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday urged quick, smart decision-making to control the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Jordan to safeguard public health and wellbeing.

Chairing a National Policies Council meeting, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein, adviser to His Majesty and NPC chairperson, King Abdullah stressed the need to regularly update and review measures to ensure an immediate and effective response to COVID-19 to contain its spread.

His Majesty said all decisions and measures must safeguard public health, while also taking into account the country’s economic conditions, calling for focused awareness messaging to ensure public safety measures are maintained.

The King urged strict measures on border crossings to regulate convoy movement and set clear procedures for dealing with any developments, while ensuring public health practices are implemented.

His Majesty also stressed the importance of constant follow-up and coordination among all institutions to implement regulations related to the Kingdom’s epidemiological situation, while taking into account the living and work conditions of the public and their movement needs.

Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz said the government is committed to implementing the King’s directives to preserve the gains of dealing with COVID-19, while preparing for any developments.

Prime Minister Razzaz said a nationwide lockdown is unlikely, unless absolutely needed, and the public will be informed ahead of time about any areas where lockdown would be imposed.

He added that strict measures will be taken to step up monitoring on border crossings and social gatherings.

During the meeting, His Majesty was briefed on plans and procedures to handle the COVID-19 pandemic.