Easing of COVID-19 measures sparks optimism

AMMAN — The relaxation of COVID-19 measures, which came into effect Tuesday, has evoked positive reactions from Jordanians and various sectors.

The new procedures include reducing the quarantine period for people who test positive for the virus to five days starting on the date of the sample, without the need to conduct another PCR test.

The procedures also eliminated the requirement for a PCR test for attending concerts, weddings and gatherings, in a way that does not violate Defence Order No. 35 that stipulates one must be fully vaccinated before entering public and private facilities.

As of March 1, Jordanian and non-Jordanian arrivals are no longer required to conduct PCR tests at airports and other entry points. Additionally, people who came into contact with COVID-19 patients are no longer required to quarantine.

“Lifting COVID restrictions will definitely boost the recovery of the local wedding venues sector,” Mamun Al Manaseer, head of the Wedding Venues and Planning Businesses Association told The Jordan Times on Tuesday. 

He added that sector operators have been hit hard by pandemic-related restrictions, so removing the PCR test requirement for vaccinated individuals attending weddings would “for sure revive their businesses”. 

Jordanian Ammar Bader, who frequently travels between Jordan and Dubai, said that the PCR test exemptions at airports will save him lots of money and time. 

“I am truly relieved. There was no need from the beginning to require another PCR test upon arrival, especially when the person is fully vaccinated,” he said.

“No longer requiring PCR tests from travellers means more visitors will be coming to Jordan,” Mahmoud Khaled, owner of a restaurant in downtown Amman, told The Jordan Times over the phone.

Also the co-owner of a travel agency, Khaled added that lifting pandemic-related measures will “help rebuild the tourism sector that is connected with many other businesses and sectors, such as restaurants, shopping malls and centres, and hotels”.

“This is a major lifting of travel restrictions, and with that actually happening, I believe better days are coming soon,” he concluded.