Ammon News -

Minister of State for Media Affairs and the government spokesperson, Ali Al-Ayed, said that the government's plan to deal with the current stage of the coronavirus epidemic is mainly focused on enhancing medical capabilities and stiffening commitment to prevention measures and the implementation of the issued defense orders.

"Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh issued Defense Order No. 22 to toughen penalties for holding and participating in gatherings as part of efforts to raise the level of commitment to ways of the prevention from the pandemic," Al-Ayed said in joint press conference held Monday evening at the Prime Ministry.

He pointed out that the control and inspection teams from various state agencies are intensifying their efforts to monitor businesses and citizens' commitment to wearing masks, physical distancing and full compliance with defense orders, in addition to the teams daily field tours, which publish daily the numbers of violations that are registered.

Al-Ayed stressed that everyone's commitment to the necessary prevention methods from the pandemic enables the health sector to control the number of infections, and contributes to relieving pressure on medical personnel.

The minister reaffirmed that the government hasn't taken a decision regarding a blanket lockdown for long periods at this stage, and work will remain in accordance with arrangements and procedures previously announced until the end of this year.

He noted that the governmental and specialized teams are constantly examining the developments of the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that decisions taken by the government are based on a scientific and methodological basis "in a way that helps us protect citizens, and achieve a balance between the health of citizens, and the continuing operations of various sectors."

With regard to the postponement of bank loan installments, Al-Ayed indicated that the Central Bank announced yesterday a set of measures aimed at granting facilities to individuals, businesses and sectors affected by the pandemic by postponing loan payments and scheduling debts, which will continue until the middle of next year.