Jordan warns public as over 600,000 coronavirus cases recorded

Jordan has urged the public be more active in stopping the spread of coronavirus as it records more than 600,000 cases.

2 min read

31 March, 2021

Jordan's rising coronavirus cases are causing concern [Getty]

Jordan has urged its public to remain cautious about the spread of the Covid-19 as the kingdom on Tuesday recorded more than 600,000 coronavirus cases.

There were 7,751 new confirmed cases and 96 deaths reported on Tuesday, bringing a total of 605,007 cases and 6,747 fatalities from the disease, according to a joint statement issued by the prime minister's office and the ministry of health.

A total of 49,334 Covid-19 tests were conducted on Tuesday, with more than 5,875,000 tests taking place, the statement said.

The health ministry called on the public to avoid gatherings, as Covid numbers continue to rise.

Last week, Jordanian authorities detained more than 200 people after protests broke out calling for accountability over the deaths of nine people due to a hospital oxygen shortage.

The deaths in the Covid-19 ward of a government hospital in As-Salt were met with accusations of medical negligence, provoking nationwide anger.

Protesters took to the streets in defiance of a night-time curfew calling for an end to draconian restrictions introduced during the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 200 have been arrested since the protests began earlier this month.

Supporters have raised concerns that the detainees - who include lawyers, students and labourers - face rights violations by Jordanian authorities.

The incident at the hospital led to the resignation of health minister Nathir Obeidat.

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