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Ammon News -

Minister of Health, Nazir Obeidat, said the number of coronavirus (Covid-19) infections in Jordan is currently dropping in comparison with previous weeks.

"The current epidemiological situation is delicate, as the virus still exists, and the number of cases is not little," Obeidat said in press conference held Monday in the Prime Ministry.

The Minister of Health indicated that the opening of field hospitals in the next few days will increase the capacity, explaining that ordinary hospitals will be ready to treat patients suffering from other diseases.

He called on citizens to adhere to means of prevention, wear face masks properly and avoid gatherings.

Obeidat noted that the ministry is in contact with several companies and groups that have ready-for-use vaccines, pointing out that Pfizer will provide the Kingdom with vaccines that cover 5 percent of citizens' need, and that the vaccine might be available in February or before.

He explained that Covid-19 vaccines are safe, and they will have a role in eliminating the pandemic.

The Minister of Health pointed out that there is a special committee examining the Chinese-Emirati vaccine.

"Accordingly, a license for emergency use of the vaccine will be granted, and then there will be contacts with the UAE on the possibility of providing the Kingdom with doses that may be part of our national program for vaccination against the coronavirus," Obeidat said.

"The results of the approved vaccines didn't show any symptoms or issues," Obeidat confirmed.

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health for Epidemiological Affairs, Wael Hayajneh, said that there is a plan to give the virus vaccine as per age groups, chronic diseases, health personnel and life-sustaining bodies in the country such as security agencies and strategic decision-makers, stressing that there is a plan to provide the vaccine to 20 percent of citizens.

Hayajneh, who also the Officer in charge of the Coronavirus situation in Jordan, said a website will be launched for health workers and citizens through which they can register to take the vaccine.

"The (northern) Governorate of Ajloun has the highest rate of infections with the Coronavirus in relation to the population per 100,000 citizens," Hayajneh said, indicating the marked decrease in the number of infected people admitted to hospitals, in addition to the number of infected people connected to ventilators.

Hayajneh noted that the rate of positive tests are about 13 percent this week, and the epidemiological curve is improving due to the commitment to social distancing and wearing face masks.

The health official added that the ministry will complete the opening of laboratories to conduct Covid-19 tests in all governorates. "We have at least one laboratory to conduct Covid-19 tests in every governorate," he further added.

He stressed that vaccines will only be given to Jordanians upon the approval of the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), the sole, independent and authorized entity to grant licenses to vaccines.