CORONAVIRUS DIARIES: DAY #96 – Gradual Preparation for the Second-Phase

June 15, 2020

“Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation.”

Robert H. Schuller

Every country affected by the COVID-19 pandemic seeks to return its situation to normalcy. However, it is not that easy at all. Cautious preparations are made as we enter each stage of the plans of the government. I hope that we remain united in our every step as we defeat the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health registered 511 new COVID-19 cases with two additional deaths and 772 recoveries. It brings to a total record of 36,431 cases with 298 fatalities and 27,531 recovered cases. Within the new cases, 243 are Kuwait citizens, 81 are Indian residents, and 53 are Egyptian residents. In the governorates, there are 161 cases in Al Farwaniya, 131 in Al Ahmadi, 108 in Al Jahra, 74 in Hawally, and 37 in the Capital. Among the residential areas, Jleeb Al-Shoyoukh is the highest with 40 cases. Currently, 8,602 patients are undergoing treatment as it decreased from 8,865 from the previous report. Compared to yesterday, the new number of cases increased.

Inspection in Khaitan Region

Khaitan is one of the regions imposed with isolation in hopes to curb the spread of coronavirus. Accompanied by the Operations and Training Assistant Major General Faleh Shujaa, the Deputy National Guard Lieutenant General Hashem Al-Rafai visited the security checkpoints in the area. The authorities assigned the National Guard to secure the place during the implementation of the first phase. 

 Upon his inspection, he expressed his appreciation and pride in the real leadership showed by the deputy head of the National Guard, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the head of the National Guard, His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah. The Deputy force members played a significant role in supporting the security plan of the Ministry of Interior as the national response against the emerging COVID-19 pandemic. General Al-Rafai lauded the excellent performance of the security officials despite facing the risks of coronavirus and the extreme heat of the day.

Preparation of Kuwait Postal Sectors

The Kuwait Postal sector has been preparing their establishment for their resumption of work, according to the Director of the Postal Administration Sediqah Khajah. The sectors prepared and sorted postal packages and parcels following the manner of conducting delivery without any direct physical contact with the public.

They planned to resume their services next Sunday of June 21, 2020, as the country enters its second phase from the government’s implemented plan for the country’s return to normalcy. They conducted sterilization on the Center for Sorting and Parcel Consignments at the airport, ensuring their employees’ health safety. They also had their timetable where sterilization is scheduled for all post offices. Upon their first resumption from the long implemented suspension, their offices will work with only 30 percent of their workers.

The Kuwait Civil Service Commission released its procedures for their gradual return to work. They issued a circular stating all the necessary rules and procedures as they realize the competence of every authority and their adherence to the precautionary health measures. Upon the resumption of their work, they prepared weekly schedules for the workers. They would either implement a rotation system of their workers to avoid violating the maximum limit of workers in the imposed guideline. 

COVID-19 Situation in the Country

As the country continues its battle against the pandemic, the video below shows the drive-through testing centers at the Jaber Stadium. The center is equipped with sufficient medical supplies with medical personnel in complete protective equipment. It is a good thing that the authorities established this testing center to identify more potential individuals who contracted the coronavirus disease.

As COVID-19 testing continues, more individuals are proven to be positive for the disease. In the Subahiya Cooperative Society, 33 of their employees tested positive for coronavirus infection. All of its branches will temporarily be closed for sterilization within the establishments.

Despite the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, people received more food distribution from the governmental sectors and private organizations. The Al-Najat Charitable Society conducted food basket distribution, amounting to 3,000 packages for the citizens and residents in the area. The photo shows six long queues of people waiting for their food packages.

I am glad that more organizations lend a hand in keeping the whole community well-fed. Every one of us is encouraged to help one another as we experienced this critical situation.

As the COVID-19 disease affects people of all ages, the Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of State for Economic Affairs Maryam Al-Aqeel said that the ministry prioritized the elderly, for they are more vulnerable to the coronavirus disease. The occasion of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is celebrated on June 15, 2020.  She added that the number of senior citizens in the country is pretty high. Therefore, the government’s care for the age group is essential, especially in their aspect of health.

Today marks the 16^th day of the government’s first-phase plan. The preparation of the government sectors and the generosity of the private organizations are very commendable. We learned from the COVID-1 pandemic more about helping one another to stand up against all these adversities in life.

Highest Number of Recoveries Recorded in the Philippines

According to its latest figures, the reported recoveries of today, which is at 298, is currently the highest single-day increase since the first outbreak of COVID-19 cases in the country. DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that it is because of the improvement in our medical practitioners’ capabilities.  From the five months of the country’s battle against the infectious coronavirus, the doctors of our country earned enough experience on how to deal effectively with the patients. 

Therefore, the DOH Undersecretary Vergeire reminded the public to comply with the health and quarantine protocols such as wearing face masks and physical distancing to prevent the spread of the virus. Following the minimum public health standard will not only save yourself from the disease but also your family and the whole community.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) spokesperson Eric Apolonio affirmed that all 41 CAAP-operated airports are prepared to resume commercial flights. However, they are still waiting for the approval of the Local Government Units (LGUs). According to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF), they will allow the resumption of flights under general community quarantine with the LGU’s approval. Therefore, they must coordinate with LGUs, the IATF, and the airline agencies.

The hard work of our beloved and brave frontliners bear its fruits as the number of recoveries increased. I am very thankful for their unceasing service to save patients’ lives afflicted with the coronavirus disease. With the support of the Philippine government, I hope that the number of recoveries would increase in the coming days. 

“Kaya nga sinasabi ko sa inyo. Ang lahat ng mga bagay na inyong idinadalangin at hinihingi, ay magsisampalataya kayo na inyong tinanggap na, at inyong kakamtin.”

Marcos 11:24

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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