Jordan announces Friday lockdown with air-raid sirens

Warning sirens echoed around Jordan yesterday (February 26) as the Kingdom announced the return of the Friday lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19. The government of Jordan has argued that a one-day lockdown is an effective way of managing rising coronavirus cases without the need to impose lengthier restrictions on movement. "Starting this week, the government is imposing a curfew throughout the kingdom from 10 p.m. (8 p.m. GMT) Thursdays until 6 a.m. Saturdays," Information Minister Ali Al-Ayed said in a statement. Walking to a mosque for Friday prayers, however, is permitted, he said.