Three doctors and seven nurses were appointed to provide the necessary healthcare to all COVID-19 patients from the factories in Aqaba, said the Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority Nayef Al-Bakhit Wednesday. None of the cases are in critical condition or in need of hospitalization, he added.

This announcement came after a total of 1,623 coronavirus cases were recorded among the employees of two clothing factories in Aqaba. The cases recorded Wednesday did not lead to the virus spreading across the rest of the governorate, he said. 

Bakhit said approximately 2,400 workers have been tested from both factories and those who tested positive were isolated. A total of 14 Jordanian drivers were isolated and authorities are currently disinfecting their rooms and vehicles. Security control has been strengthened to ensure compliance with quarantine measures to prevent further spreading of the virus.

Regarding the economic situation in Aqaba, Bakhit said that most economic sectors were affected by the coronavirus crisis. However, the touristic part of Aqaba was the least affected by the pandemic, as the demand was high for domestic tourism between June and August.