Expected easing of COVID restrictions to revive economy, tourism — Jordan

Expected easing of COVID restrictions to revive economy, tourism — Jordan

AMMAN — Economists predict a boost in the economy resulting from a government decision to gradually ease COVID-19 restrictions.

Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Khaswneh announced on Saturday that the government intends to ease COVID-19 restrictions gradually.

COVID infection rates, hospital admissions and deaths continue to decrease, according to the Ministry of Health.

“The Kingdom is moving towards an endemic situation,” Derar Bal’wi, an associate clinical professor, told The Jordan Times in an interview.

“People have to start exercising their own personal judgement in line with the risks,” Abdel Rahman Shaher, a pulmonologist, told The Jordan Times.

Shaher said evidence shows vaccines are “sufficiently effective” in reducing hospitalisations and deaths.

Nationwide COVID-19 restrictions will be eased over phases, the prime minister said.

“I believe easing restrictions should be monitored closely and adjusted according to the epidemiological situation in the Kingdom,” Shaher said.

Shaher said proof of full vaccination should continue to be a requirement for entering public places.

“We need to strike a balance between measures that help limit the spread of the virus and allow our economy to recover,” Shaher said.

Economist Khaled Salameh told The Jordan Times he is “optimistic” about the 2022 outlook as restrictions begin to ease.

“The emergence of omicron might disturb the economic