Source: Xinhua| 2020-03-27 02:53:26|Editor: huaxia

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A woman wearing a face mask walks on a street in Amman, Jordan, on March 26, 2020. Jordan confirmed on Thursday 40 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number in the country to 212, according to the health minister. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

AMMAN, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Jordan confirmed on Thursday 40 new cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the total number in the country to 212, according to the health minister.

"This increase in number is alarming and represents a serious indicator," Jordan's Health Minister Saad Jaber said in a statement.

He also urged citizens to stay home and not to break the curfew or join any gathering.

Jordan's Minister of State for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh said the number registered in Jordan on Thursday is "shocking."

"In light of the shocking increase, we decided to isolate the Irbid governorate in the north. No one can leave or enter the governorate ... the army will ensure the supply of basic needs there," said the minister.

He said dozens of COVID-19 cases were reported in northern governorates, adding that 26 cases of the 40 newly confirmed were in Irbid.