CORONAVIRUS DIARIES: DAY #104 – The Rising of COVID-19 Cases Back Again

June 23, 2020

“Everything that is done in this world is done by hope.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Many governments across different countries did all their best in controlling the coronavirus pandemic. If these things fail, then it is because of the non-compliance of its citizens and residents. It shows that they need our cooperation to defeat the pandemic successfully. As the coronavirus cases increase again in Kuwait, let us remind every individual in the community that teamwork is a recipe for our victory from this health crisis. 

In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health reported 742 new COVID-19 cases with four additional deaths and 534 recoveries. It brings to a total record of 41,033 cases with 334 fatalities and 32,304 recovered cases. Within the new cases, 385 are Kuwait citizens comprising 51.89 percent, while 357 are residents of various nationalities consisting of 48.11 percent of the total count. In the governorates, there are 240 cases in Al Ahmadi, 170 in Al Farwaniya, 162 in Al Jahra, 98 in Hawally, and 72 in the Capital. Among the residential areas, Taymaa has the highest number of cases at 44 cases.

Currently, there are 8,395 cases. The COVID-19 cases in the country start to increase again. Compared to yesterday’s report, the new number of cases increased.

Briefing of the Minister of Health

In light of the coronavirus situation in Kuwait, the Minister of Health Sheikh Dr. Basel Al-Sabah affirmed that the total percentage of the recovered cases comprises at around 79 percent of the total COVID-19 cases. However, the number of coronavirus infections within citizens continues to rise because of the city’s gatherings. 

 Dr. Basel addressed the country’s situation in the cabinet meeting held yesterday. He said that the Health Ministry is conducting preventative measures against the spread of the coronavirus disease. Their primary aim is to eliminate the local transmission within the nation. 

He announced that there would be an international pledges summit this June 27, 2020. Foreign Ministers Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah will represent His Highness the Prime Minister. The event will discuss the mobilization of additional funding for further development and distribution of coronavirus vaccines. 

 With the Kuwait government, I encourage all the citizens and residents for their stringent compliance to all the preventative procedures. We cannot achieve success in this fight unless full cooperation is established within the community. Thus, let us coordinate together and stay within our homes to reduce the coronavirus cases of the country.

Praises of the European Union on the Implemented Measures

 As the country continues its battle against the coronavirus pandemic, the European Union Ambassador in Kuwait, Dr. Cristian Tudor lauded its government’s implemented measures. According to him, the Kuwait government responded quickly, effectively, and resolutely as they imposed restrictions to contain the spread of the virus. He added that despite the ongoing health crisis, Kuwait still helped the other countries on their coronavirus situation.

 For the records, Kuwait decided to provide USD 60 million to the World Health Organization to assist the countries of Iraq, Syria, and Palestine. Kuwait also fully participated in the global response conference in May of 2020. For the country’s foreign policy, Kuwait, for him, represents peace and wisdom, making the European Union and Kuwait natural partners in these difficult circumstances. Therefore, the European Union considered the country of Kuwait as a crucial partner.

Resumption of Sports Training

 The Public authority for Sport (PAS) Deputy Director-General for Competitive Sports, Dr. Saqer Al-Mulla, announced the beginning of the implemented strategy on the resumption of sports training on June 28, 2020. Upon its resumption, the health authorities conducted COVID-19 screening to ensure their body’s current condition. It includes the athletes of track and field, shooting, and fencing, ensuring that they are COVID-19 free.

The Health Ministry will soon be sanitizing the sports facilities. As the sports clubs and associations reopened, the establishments will strictly comply with all the imposed guidelines against the transmission of coronavirus disease.

It is a good thing that preparations were conducted on its resumption. Sanitizing the sports facilities and checking its athletes’ health status is a must in ensuring its safe reoperations.

The COVID-19 Situation in the Country

 A posted photo shows some people hanging around the beaches of Kuwait. I know that it is essential for us to venture outside; however, coronavirus’s health crisis still exists. Therefore, it is not a good time for the citizens and residents to hang out on the beaches for leisure. Many people are struggling due to the implemented lockdown measures in isolated areas. We should cooperate to reduce the coronavirus cases in the country and restore the normal days we enjoy in the past. 

Today marks the 24^th day of the government’s implemented first phase plan. Together with the European Union, I appreciate and thank the efforts of the Kuwait government with its ministries in controlling the pandemic in the country. Because of their unceasing hardships in containing its transmission, I believe that we can soon return to our normal lives.

Prioritizing the Return of OFWs and LSIs

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced 23 new COVID-19 cases of Overseas Filipinos abroad with two additional fatalities and two recoveries. It brings to a total record of 8,324 cases with 508 deaths and 5,057 recovered cases. Currently, 2,759 Filipino patients are receiving medical treatment, wherein 2,081 is from the Middle East, 450 from Europe, 148 from the Americas, and 80 from the Asia-Pacific.

 Basing at the current figures, 73 percent of the total count is COVID-19 cases from the Middle East. However, a considerable percentage also came from the same region at 3,775 recoveries. Today, the DFA commemorated its 122^nd Founding Anniversary. Together with their celebration, they remain committed to serving and assisting the Filipino people abroad, especially in this ongoing health crisis. 

The Malacañang affirmed that sending the repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) home is their top priority. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said this after receiving appeals on the resumption of provincial buses’ operations. Because of its suspension, many bus operators and drivers lost their primary source of income. He assured the public that the provincial buses would resume soon once all stranded OFWs and Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) have gone home.

Spokesperson Roque warned the public that resuming the provincial buses would do more harm than good. It is because it is more likely that local government units will object to accepting the passengers. Therefore, we should all be patient and wait for the complete return of all OFWs and LSIs.

The researchers from the University of the Philippines (UP) predicted that the total COVID-19 cases in the country might rise up to 40,000 when June ends. However, Malacanang said that it could be prevented through the stringent compliance of the nation’s citizens and residents. It is vital to have an optimistic mind with strict compliance for the public safety of all.

Hence, Spokesperson Roque announced that the Philippine government is challenging the whole nation to disprove the predictions of UP researchers. We should all do our part in saving the safety and welfare of our homeland. I commend the Philippine government’s continuous efforts as they encouraged the citizens, hopefully, that we can all go through this together. I am also a believer of optimism; therefore, let us help each other save our country with the backup of our heroic frontliners in the field.

“Panginoon, dumadalangin ako sa inyo, sa inyo na nakaupo sa inyong trono sa langit. Kung paanong ang alipin ay naghihintay sa ibibigay ng kanyang amo, naghihintay din kami Panginoon naming Dios, na tulungan nʼyo at kahabagan.”

Salmo 123:1-2 ASND

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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