Jordan will not witness ‘new wave like in past’ — Hawari

AMMAN  — The Senate’s Health, Environment, and Population Committee, headed by Yassin Husban, on Monday discussed with the Minister of Health Firas Hawari, and director-general of Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), Nizar Mheidat, the latest developments related to the Kingdom’s epidemiological situation and foodstuff safety.اضافة اعلان

Husban’s inquiries focused on Jordan’s preparations to face the “high” rates of daily COVID-19 infections, number of hospital admissions, and precautionary measures at the level of official and educational institutions.

On Jordan’s immunization drive, Husban also inquired about the percentage of the number of COVID-19 vaccine recipients, as well as the ministry’s plans to administer a third booster dose.

Hawari, for his part, said the increase in the number of daily COVID-19 cases is expected, especially after the reopening of all sectors and resumption of in-class learning at Jordan’s schools.

The government will not back-pedal from in-person learning in schools, Hawari said, adding that the Kingdom will not witness “a new wave like in the past,” and hospitals have “sufficient” capacity to receive admissions.

Some 33 percent of Jordan’s infections recorded daily come from the age group of 10 to 17 years old, he said, noting that this category represents some 2 million of Jordan’s population.

The Kingdom, he expected, would not record more than 3,000 COVID-19 cases per day.

Regarding the national immunization program, Hawari said that the number of first dose recipients stands at nearly 4 million, while the number of people that have received two shots has reached 3.5 million.

With regard to the third booster dose, the minister noted this process kicked off with the age group of over 60s and health sector workers about a month and a half ago.

During the coming weeks, third doses will be administered to all age groups who have received two doses six months ago, according to Hawari.
In turn, Mheidat said Jordan’s food is “safe,” adding that all imported foodstuffs are subject to “strict” monitoring procedures.

Mheidat added that ensuring foodstuffs’ safety and quality is carried out in the JFDA’s laboratories, with all required lab analyses conducted by “qualified” technicians using the “latest and most accurate advanced” equipment and based on international scientific criteria.


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