The Minister of State for Media Affairs, the official spokesperson for the government, Sakher Dudin, said Sunday that he was shocked by the scenes of lack of adherence to health protocols in festivals which took place in Jordan recently. 

Dudin added in statements to Hayat FM, "I am like any Jordanian citizen, shocked and upset by the scenes that took place and are happening at festivals and gatherings.”

Dudin recognized the existence of a lack of adherence to health protocols in festivals and some sectors.

He noted that initially, the protocols taken in festivals and events prevent the entry of anyone who is not vaccinated or has not provided a negative PCR test result.

Dudin called for the need to hold accountable all those who violate the required health and safety measures, including event organizers.

Dudin lastly stressed that the pandemic ‘is not over yet,’ and that we must live with it and learn how to coexist with it.

Also Read: Epidemics Committee not against holding festivals within required health protocols: Hijjawi

Earlier Sunday, a member of the National Committee for Epidemics Bassam Hijjawi said that Jordan has succeeded in reaching a 'safe summer' and now a ‘safe winter’ must be reached.

In radio statements, Hijjawi said that we must enter the winter season with greater preparation, stressing that Jordan will not return to closures.

He pointed out that the Epidemics Committee is not against holding festivals, meetings and conferences, but within the required health protocols.

Hijjawi added that event organizers should not allow more than the permitted numbers to enter festivals, in addition to making sure that everyone is complying with the required health and safety measures, such as wearing face masks, social distancing and being fully vaccinated against the virus.