Nayrouz News Agency : The government is making every effort to avert another nationwide lockdown, Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Omar Razzaz said on Thursday, pointing out that Jordan's entry into the community transmission phase of the virus places a "shared responsibility” on the government and the public.

Speaking to radio stations, the premier reiterated that the government is "insisting on” not to impose a comprehensive curfew, but this requires citizens and institutions adherence to public safety measures.

Razzaz added that to prevent another nationwide lockdown, the government and related bodies will take sector-level measures from time to time to limit public gatherings, pointing out that the government's motto in the next phase of the pandemic response plan is "accountability and questioning”.

Regarding the closure of mosques despite the resumption of regular flights at Queen Alia International Airport, Razzaz highlighted passengers’ adherence to the adopted health protocol in the airport.

The premier noted that the Jaber border crossing, despite its importance, is still closed, as the government is "not fully confident” that the health of workers and travellers will not be affected.

He said that the Awqaf Ministry is working in cooperation with the related bodies to develop a commitment formula to health and safety measures for all mosques.

The government is working to draw up a sector-specific pledge to the health measures before opening each sector, the PM said, adding that the government prefers to close the sector rather than relaxing health rules, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.  

Regarding the continuity of the current government, Razzaz stressed that matters related to  the government’s tenure is in the hands of His Majesty King Abdullah, pointing out that his government "will continue to work until the last minute and perform its duties as per constitutional requirements”.