Jordan's army to guard cities over coronavirus outbreak

AMMAN

The Jordanian army on Tuesday deployed forces at the entrances and exits of cities across the country as part of its measures against the coronavirus.

"These measures aim to prevent the spread of coronavirus…the General Command calls on citizens to follow all instructions issued by the deployed forces," the army said in a statement.

Jordan has so far confirmed 34 coronavirus cases in the country.

Meanwhile, the Jordanian government suspended work at the public and private sectors and directed citizens not to leave their homes except for absolutely necessary reasons.

The virus known as COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China last December, and has spread to at least 150 countries and territories. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a pandemic.

Out of over 183,500 confirmed cases, the death toll now exceeds 7,100, while more than 79,900 have recovered, according to Worldometer, a website that compiles new case numbers.

The current number of active cases is more than 96,500, with 94% in mild condition and 6% in critical condition.