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.

Warning sirens echoed in the Kingdom once more announcing the return of the Friday lockdown therefore preventing people from practicing their usual routines this weekend, only a few weeks after being lockdown-free.
The COVID-19 curve which has been continuously rising since the beginning of 2021, opens the door to questions about the feasibility of imposing Friday lockdowns amid demands to reveal its effectiveness. However, the government stated that the one-day-a-week ban is a feasible alternative or "escape" from a total lockdown for days and weeks.