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Ammon News -

Minister of Health, Nathir Obeidat said that the Friday lockdown reduces the rate of Covid-19 infections by 37 percent and deaths by 35 percent, based on a study that confirmed that Coronavirus infections would have increased had the lockdown not been imposed on Friday.

"The ministry conducted a study, in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the University of Oxford, which showed that banning Friday prayers would also reduce infections by 50 percent that was approved to maintain the prayers as is," Obeidat said in joint press conference held at the Prime Ministry on Tuesday

Obaidat indicated that the British mutated Covid strain is prevalent in Amman, and adjacent governorates.

On vaccinations, the Health Minister confirmed that Jordan's position in providing vaccines is better than many countries, indicating that negotiations are still ongoing to provide other vaccines from a number of companies.

He said that the government contracted with Pfizer to secure 2.2 million doses during the current year, 41,000 doses of which have been received so far, noting that 194,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine will arrive in the Kingdom soon, while 41,000 doses of other anti-Coronavirus vaccines will arrive next month.

Obaidat explained that the ministry contracted with the Global COVAX Coalition to obtain about 2 million additional doses, which are expected to arrive in March.

The Health Minister stressed that the government was able to reduce the risk of the pandemic, by training cadres and conducting tests, noting in this context the Ministry’s ability to conduct 40,000 tests per day, while investigation teams continue to track contacts, and reach 75 percent of the infected in home isolation.

Obaidat called for adhering to public safety measures, wearing masks, following the utmost caution and preventive actions, and using various means of prevention, stressing that the government's efforts and the commitment of citizens and businesses contribute to reducing infections and improving the epidemiological situation.

Obaidat pointed out that few citizens were infected after receiving the first dose of the vaccine, but symptoms that appeared on them were mild and not severe and did not require admitting the infected to hospitals.

The Minister of Health revealed that there are a number of private companies that have submitted a request to import Coronavirus vaccines for the benefit of the ministry, stressing that the ministry is the only entity responsible for the vaccination.