CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #34-The Importance of Sanitation During the Pandemic

April 14, 2020, Tuesday

So significant is the effect of cleanliness upon a man that it extends even to his moral character. Virtue never dwelt long with filth, nor do I believe there ever was a person scrupulously: attentive to cleanliness, who was a consummate villain.

– Benjamin Thompson

The importance of sanitation and hygiene has never been a more pressing issue, especially during this pandemic. By making sure that our surroundings stay clean through regular sanitary practices and washing our hands properly, we become less likely carriers of the virus. As such, the Government of Kuwait has taken all necessary steps to ensure that everything that comes in and out of the country undergoes the strict and rigorous precautionary guidelines in ensuring public health.

In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health announced 55 new COVID-19 cases with 29 additional recoveries, and one further coronavirus death being recorded. This brings to a total tally of 1355 cases, with 176 recovered cases and three deaths. Within the new evidence, three were related to travel, with them being 2 cases of Kuwaiti nationals who went to the United Kingdom and 1 Kuwaiti citizen who traveled to France. Forty-three of them had contact with confirmed cases with 2 being Kuwaiti nationals, 26 cases of Indian residents, four instances of Bangladeshi residents, three instances of Pakistani residents, 1 Nepali resident, 1 Filipino resident, 1 Iranian resident, 1 Chinese resident, 1 Afghan resident, and 3 Egyptian residents.

Nine are currently under investigation with one case of a Kuwaiti national, 3 Indian residents, 1 Lebanese resident, 1 Pakistani resident, 1 Bangladeshi resident, and two instances of Egyptian residents. One thousand and one hundred and seventy-six patients are currently receiving medical treatment, while 26 are in the intensive care unit. Compared to yesterday’s report, the new number of cases decreased. 

Sanitization of Vehicles Entering Kuwait

Today marks the 34^th day of quarantine and the 24^th day of curfew. As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, the Government of Kuwait continues to step up its efforts and measures in bringing an end to the pandemic. As of today, the Kuwait Fire Service Directorate released a statement that it has recently installed jetting machines at strategic points such as airports and land checkpoints in order to facilitate the sanitisation of incoming trucks and hardware.

The disinfecting stands have been prepared and manufactured by the KUWAIT Fire Service Directorate and have been installed at various land border points, including the Kuwait International Airport, Ak-Nwaiseed, and Al Salmi Areas. These points are also operated by the KSFD officers in a concentrated effort by the government to implement protective measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the government continues to implement sanitary measures to curb the pandemic, we must also take part in the efforts of the health authorities to prevent the risk of infection by following the quarantine protocols, practicing social distancing, and washing our hands regularly and frequently.

This Tuesday, the Real Estate Union released a statement to the Arab Times that it calls upon the cooperation of real estate owners and their tenants for both parties to reach a fair and just agreement regarding the reduction of rent during the pandemic. Although there is a conflict of interest between the two parties due to the economic disruption brought by the coronavirus pandemic wherein the landowners are asking for payment so that they may support themselves and the tenants being unable to pay for it due to being laid off from work.

This is currently a crucial moment for both parties’ financial state, and it is essential that they demonstrate solidarity and cooperation during these trying times. The union has also stressed the need to ensure the continuity pf the rental relationship between the two parties.

These are trying times, indeed, not only for the people of Kuwait but also for its government. However, I have full confidence that the Kuwaiti Government will do everything in its power in order to dampen and mitigate the adverse effects and economic fallout that is brought by the crisis.

Violations During Quarantine

In a press release, The Ministry of Interior released a statement this Tuesday that 40 individuals have since then been referred to the court for violating the partial ban implemented by the government since March 22. The Ministry gave a statement to the General Administration of Relations and Security Media that the General Department of Investigations has already launched an investigation regarding the case of the violators

Some of the apprehended individuals have already been released with financial guarantees of up to 1,000 dinars until the cases are decided. Among these recorded cases, it has been discovered that these were individuals who held gatherings and held celebrations of marriage, which are in direct violation of the quarantine guidelines.

As the relevant government authorities persist in their duties to strive for Kuwait’s betterment and curb the devastating effects of the pandemic, we must always remember that we have to uphold our responsibility in contributing to the welfare of public health. I am genuinely thankful to the Government of Kuwait for their efforts in this pandemic. I encourage everyone to continue staying in their homes and abide by the quarantine guidelines to contribute to Kuwait’s recovery, which will help us go back to our normal lives.

Updates from the Philippine Embassy

In the Philippines, the Department of Health announced 291 new COVID-19 cases with twenty additional deaths and fifty-three recoveries. It brings to a total tally of 5,223 with 335 fatalities and 295 recovered incidents. Compared to yesterday’s report, the new number of cases increased.

This Tuesday, President Rodrigo Duterte released a statement to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that all fellow Southeast Asian Leaders must join together in order to counter the adverse social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was during the “Laging Hand” press briefing displayed on the state-run PTV 4. Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque confirmed that the President joined other Southeast Asian leaders in a virtual meeting in order to formulate strategies, develop interventions, and discuss ways with which they would curb infection and mitigate the negative repercussions brought by the virus.

The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait has also released a statement that Qatar Airways will now be resuming its flights to Manila. If one should ever wish to purchase a ticket, simply book your flight at qatarairways.com.

The Philippine Embassy also wishes to thank the Madam Iqbal Behbehani and also to the Kabayan Hypermarket or their generosity in donating to the relief drive and food donations to the OFW’s currently stranded due to the COVID-19 lockdown in Kuwait.

In light of the current crisis, I am very thankful for the cooperation and solidarity that the Government of Kuwait, the Philippine Embassy, and other generous and like-minded individuals in making sure that our OFW’s are well-fed and provided for as they await their trip home. The authorities of both countries have always demonstrated their eagerness to help our brothers and sisters in this time of need, and I am confident that they will be home safe and sound with their families at the soonest possible time.

With that in mind, we must also cooperate in their efforts in implementing the health and quarantine protocols, which are designed to curb the spread of the virus. I wish our fellow OFW’s safety and good fortune and the reminder that despite these trying times, we must remain steadfast in our faith and prayers and persist in the hope that God will never fail to provide for us.

Datapuwa’t tatanggapin ninyo ang kapangyarihan, pagdating sa inyo ng Espiritu Santo: at kayo’y magiging mga saksi ko sa Jerusalem, at sa buong Judasa at Samaria, at hanggang sa kahulihulihang hangganan ng lupa. 

Mga Gawa 1:8

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A multi-award-winning blogger and advocate for OFWs and investment literacy; recipient of the Mass Media Advocacy Award, Philippine Expat Blog Award, and Most Outstanding Balikbayan Award. Her first book, The Global Filipino Bloggers OFW Edition, was launched at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. A certified Registered Financial Planner of the Philippines specializing in the Stock Market. A recognized author of the National Book Development Board of the Philippines. Co-founder of Teachers Specialist Organization in Kuwait (TSOK) and Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK). An international member of writing and poetry. Published more than 10 books.  Read more: About DiaryNiGracia