Jordan's overnight coronavirus curfew will remain as other measures ease

The country has not recorded a new case in eight days

Members of the medical staff at UNRWA prepare prescription medicines to deliver to Palestinian refugees in their homes at Amman New camp amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus disease. Picture taken April 15, 2020. Reuters

A clothes shop owner wearing a protective faced mask is waiting for customers in Downtown Amman. EPA

Jordan has announced the reopening of shoes and textile stores from 26 April following strict rules. EPA

Jordanians started the holy month fasting in the context of the Covid-19 Coronavirus curfew on 24 April, they are allowed outside their homes only between 8pm and 6pm. EPA

A traditional dress shop keeper reads the Quran, on the second day of Muslim's holly month of Ramadan in Downtown Amman, Jordan. EPA

Two women walk past the deserted Roman Theatre, a landmark usually very crowded with people enjoying a visit of end of the day stroll, in Amman. EPA

Staff member of the UNRWA clinic of Al Wehdat Palestinian Refugee camp walks past a volunteer preparing medication to be delivered to patients. EPA

Some 57,000 registered refugees crowd its 0,48 KM Square and the arrival of the Covid-19 means that UNRWA had to adapt its methods to cater to the refugees needs especially for education and health within the limitations of a semi-curfew regime. EPA

A man flies a kite with the phrase "Stay at home" as part of an initiative launched by Jordan Kuwait Bank to support unemployed individuals and raise awareness against coronavirus disease. Reuters

People attend an Orthodox Easter Mass as the restrictions set to fight the spread of the coronavirus disease, at the Church of Mary of Nazareth in Amman on April 19. REUTERS

A Christian family observes Orthodox Easter Mass at home, watching television, as the restrictions are set to fight the spread of the coronavirus disease. Reuters

Abdullah from Sudan wears a face protective mask and protective gloves as he milks a camel in Amman. EPA

Abdullah from Sudan wearing a face protective mask and gloves accompanies camels in Amman. EPA

Palestinian refugees wait in front of the Al Wehdat camp health centre to register their names to get medication amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus disease. Reuters

Palestinian refugees wait in front of the Al Wehdat camp health centre to register their names to get medication amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus disease. Reuters

A staff member prepares to join his colleagues inside a Covid-19 triage tent at Al Bashir hospital in Amman. EPA

Jordan will maintain a daily overnight curfew even after containing the spread of the new coronavirus has allowed businesses to reopen and more movement, a government spokesman said on Tuesday.

Amjad Adailah said the Cabinet, which imposed a curfew on March 21 after enacting emergency laws that gave the government sweeping powers, would also continue to impose a weekend lockdown.

Jordanian King Abdullah II and his son Crown Prince Hussein attending an international videoconference on the coronavirus pandemic. AFP via Jordanian Royal Palace

"We have contained the outbreak but the danger is real and the possibility of its return is real and serious," Mr Adailah said.

Jordanians took to the streets after a ban was lifted on driving and many businesses reopened in a rapid return to normality after the authorities relaxed a tough nearly 50-day curfew to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Prime Minister Omar Al Razzaz said in remarks on state television that the country's early tight lockdown measures had brought results that were far better than expected.

The government has not registered any coronavirus cases for the eighth day in a row, Mr Al Razzaz added. The country has had a total of 465 cases and nine deaths.

Even though the kingdom has begun opening up again, authorities warn that they will swiftly reimpose lockdown measures if cases began to resurface and they will continue to do as widespread testing as possible.