Jordanian drivers entering Kingdom at Omari crossing to be quarantined near border, Adaileh says

AMMAN — Minister of State for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh on Friday announced that Jordanian drivers arriving via the Omari border crossing between Jordan and Saudi Arabia will be quarantined temporarily at military schools in Azraq until the construction of a main quarantine site is completed.

Since April 22, the government, together with the crisis cell at the National Centre for Security and Crisis Management, has been working to establish a quarantine site consisting of caravans and camps for those arriving through the Omari border-crossing, Adaileh said during Friday’s press briefing at the national centre.

This decision was taken because many drivers are not committing to home quarantine, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, quoted the minister as saying. 

However, due to logistical reasons, the establishment of this site was delayed and drivers were accordingly obligated to self-quarantine after signing a pledge to do so, the minister added.

The first part of the quarantine site is expected to be completed by the end of this month, Adaileh said, noting that there are more than 1,400 drivers working between Jordan and Saudi Arabia, about 250 of whom cross the borders between the two countries daily.

The minister confirmed that Defence Order No. 8, which is based on the Defence Law No. 13 of 1992, stipulates penalties of up to three years in prison and a fine of JD3,000 for anyone who causes the transmission of the virus.

The Defence Order also penalises anyone who behaves in a way that might cause the virus to spread to others or that violates any pledges signed to adhere to home quarantine, he added.

Adaileh noted that, after discussions between Jordan and Saudi Arabia and in order to facilitate the transfer of goods between the two countries, it was agreed to allow the granting and renewing of visas for truck drivers between the two countries at the border.

The minister also confirmed during the briefing that four villages in Mafraq Governorate and three buildings in Irbid were isolated due to the new coronavirus cases recorded there.

To track any violations or breaches of instructions, the crisis cell at the National Centre for Security and Crisis Management has developed an electronic application called "radar-C" for reporting gatherings or suspected coronavirus cases, Adaileh noted.

He urged citizens to report any gatherings or suspected cases  as a matter of social and national responsibility, in order to preserve everyone’s health and safety.