Monday, the Minister of Health Firas al-Hawari stressed the importance of unifying national efforts to enforce the Public Health Law that prohibits smoking in public places, saying it is a top priority and part of the government's plan to combat COVID-19.

This came during a meeting chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired to discuss the priorities of the national plan for the next phase, one day before facilities will be allowed to serve shisha outdoors.

Smoking in all its forms will remain banned in closed public places.

HRH praised the recommendations made by attendees regarding inspection campaigns, as well as the joint efforts of the Ministry of Health and other sectors to protect citizens and residents from the health and economic repercussions of smoking.

Hawari noted that the coronavirus pandemic demonstrated the importance of implementing the law to ensure the reopening of sectors in a sustainable manner.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) in Jordan, as well as the ministries of Industry, Commerce, Tourism and Finance, the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM), the Royal Health Awareness Society (RHAS) and the No To Tobacco association.