Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - The government will stop placing buildings under security lockdown in response to COVID-19, instead contacts of confirmed cases will be required to self-quarantine at home pending the results of their tests, Minister of State for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh said Monday.

Adaileh, who is also the government's spokesperson, told journalists at the National Center for Security and Crisis Management (NCSCM) that the new measure, among others, was taken following a meeting held today by the Coronavirus Crisis Cell.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Omar Razzaz and in the presence of ministers and top officials, discussed the hot topic of border crossings, primarily the Al Omari and Jaber border crossings. It was emphasized that previous mistakes should be avoided.

The new measures will be consistent with preventative and safety protocols as arrivals will not make contact with workers at the crossings, Adaileh explained.

On the government's previous decision to place children under the age of 18 years old under home quarantine, Adaileh said the decision has been made based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and after a thorough examination of all pertinent aspects.

He said that the guardians of the infected children will have to make a written undertaking to home quarantine their children and their contacts. They will not be allowed to leave home until the results of their tests come out. Flouters will be accountable before the law.

Competent authorities will monitor the commitment of the quarantined as those who endanger others and violate the law stipulated under Defense Order (8) of 2020 will be subject to up to three years in prison or/and a JOD 3,000 fine.