AMMAN — In light of the current
epidemiological situation; the anticipation of a fourth wave amid an
incremental increase in infections, including with the new
COVID-19 variant Omicron , former Minister of Health Walid Maani has recommended reducing work
days for the public sector, as well as for schools and universities, from five to
four days; a move which he believes would help prevent future coronavirus cases
from surging to “exorbitant numbers” in the coming weeks. Maani, however, said
the measure would exclude the corporate private sector.
اضافة اعلان
Maani told
Jordan
News that his suggestion must be put in context to be grasped. “We
can see evidence that active cases and positivity rates in Jordan are
increasing during this fourth wave, or ‘the Omicron wave’. We will probably
reach the summit of this wave within three or four weeks. Nearly 60 percent of
all cases recorded have been Omicron cases. In my opinion, it is futile to
extensively focus on whether someone was infected with Delta or Omicron,
because it is ultimately the same infectious disease, although there are some
differences in the severity of symptoms.”
However, he said that before reaching the “summit”
it is possible to expect a rise in numbers on daily basis, noting that Jordan
is behind Europe’s wave by a factor of nearly four weeks. If we look at
Britain, after witnessing large numbers Britain is now heading towards the end
of its latest wave.”
According to Maani, because in Jordan, unlike in
the UK, the use of rapid flow tests is currently not allowed, citizens are
required to do
PCR tests at laboratories, where an average of 30,000 PCR tests
are conducted daily. Maani said that if the Omicron wave continues to see a
rise in the number cases, this might mean more hospital visits by
patients.
“We need to prevent our health sector from
facing a critical amount of pressure before the situation becomes more
challenging than it is now,” he added.
While infections will likely continue to
occur, it is possible to slow down a potentially overwhelming influx of
hospital visits, said Maani by “avoiding public gatherings and reducing the
work days for the
public sector, as well as for schools and universities.” He pointed that the health system is not only
meant to deal with COVID-19 cases, but with a host of other diseases and
traumas, and therefore, “we need to protect the health sector from a potential
collapse.”
Maani does not foresee any adverse impact on
the economy because the public sector is not responsible for generating revenue
the way the private sector is. “This is why I am not suggesting that these
measures be applied to the private sector, but continuing to wear masks and
ensuring that workers are vaccinated are important alternative measures.”
The four-day week could be a viable
alternative to virtual learning, which proved inefficient, according to Maani,
adding that this measure can be considered by the
ministry if they decide
against postponing the start of the second semester, currently under review by
the National Epidemiology Committee.
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