CORONAVIRUS DIARIES Week #27: Nothing Lasts Forever

“I’ve got some bad news and I’ve got some good news. Nothing lasts forever.“

– Kate McGahan-

 

Today marks the 194th day of our COVID-19 Pandemic journey. The darkness brought by the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kuwait seems to slowly disappear in the country as the hope towards normalcy gets brighter. This implies that everything that happens in the world will not stay. Some things are not meant to last forever. But some things are meant to stay. 

COVID-19 will stay forever but the Pandemic will not last forever. In fact, the presence of COVID-19 in our lives is slowly getting into our system as part of our new normal lives. COVID-19 is still in the environment, hence the Kuwait government is still closely monitoring the developments on their COVID-19 case record.

Update of COVID-19 Cases in Kuwait as of September 21, 2020

The photo was taken from: Instagram: Kuwait MOH

 

The Ministry of Health of Kuwait reported 530 new COVID-19 cases with 716 new recoveries and one additional death. This brings to a total record of 99,964 confirmed cases, nearing its 100,000 mark. As of 21 September 2020, there are now 8,449 active COVID-19 cases with 93 serious cases.

Compared to last week’s data, the total COVID-19 confirmed new cases significantly increased. However, it is noteworthy to see that there was an increase in the number of recoveries and a slight decrease in total active cases. Unfortunately, we’ve lost another comrade to the battle against COVID-19.

 

Reduction of Quarantine Period

Health Care Worker wearing PPE

This photo was taken from: Kuwait Local News

 

On 20 September 2020, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) formally sent a request letter stating to reduce the quarantine period being imposed on travelers who set to arrive at the State of Kuwait. It was stated that people who opt to enter the Kuwait border will have a 7-day quarantine period instead of a 14-day quarantine period. 

If the request will be granted by the Ministry of Health, it would be a great economic incentive for the aviation sector to reduce their losses because this sector is vital towards the restoration of the economic cycle in the State of Kuwait.

The Ministry of Health hasn’t responded to the request of DGCA and no official announcement in this regard.

 

Kuwait government moves quickly to return expatriates public sector staff

The Kuwait government moves quickly and puts all efforts to bring back stranded expatriates who are staff in the public sector. Kuwait’s government will launch soon an online platform to assist stranded expatriates coming from “banned” countries where commercial flights are not available. Services from these stranded expatriates of the public sector are highly needed most especially in the education and health sector.

“They have also presented recommendations of employee’s date of return and necessary quarantine measures they should take upon arrival.” an anonymous source said.

However, the Kuwait government hadn’t issued any update regarding stranded expatriates who work in the private sector coming from the “banned” countries where commercial flights are not available.

 

Kuwait Parliament passes draft law on reducing the number of expatriates in the country

Kuwait Assembly Panel

This photo was taken from: The National News

 

On 22 September 2020, the Assembly panel approves a draft law to cut the number of expatriates in the country for the next five years. However, the Assembly didn’t give any details on specific caps. The main goal of the draft law is to reduce the number of expatriates, particularly unskilled workers, to fix Kuwait’s population structure.

Khalil Al-Salch stated that the draft law will be subject to debate tomorrow, 23 September 2020. The said draft law gave the government 6 months to establish the number of expatriates needed by the country.

According to the draft law, the Kuwait government must establish the figures within six months. This includes the specifics on the number of expatriates that are allowed to be recruited. This draft law aims to restore the balance between the number of Kuwaitis and expatriates within the country.

The thought of reducing the number of expatriates makes me sad. Our job in Kuwait is not merely a job only. The culture of Kuwait was embedded through ourselves. Living in Kuwait is part of our lives too. But everything changes with the recent passage of the draft law on cutting the number of expatriates. Truly, nothing lasts forever.

 

More Overseas Filipinos repatriated from Kuwait

On 20 September 2020, more than 300 overseas Filipinos will come home to the Philippines via 16th chartered flight coming arranged by Philippine Embassy in Kuwait and Philippine Overseas Labor Office – Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA). The said chartered flight includes distressed OFWs.

Overseas Filipinos lined up to embark 16th chartered flight back to the Philippines

This photo was taken from: Facebook: Philippine Embassy in Kuwait

 

Similarly, on 27 September 2020, the 17th chartered flight took off from Kuwait International Airport carrying more than 300 overseas Filipino workers to be repatriated to the Philippines. Among the passengers are those undocumented and distressed overseas Filipino workers that were assisted by the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait and by the POLO-OWWA. 

I want to congratulate PH Embassy in Kuwait for their unwavering support to our fellow Filipino expatriates who wants to go home. This reflects the sympathy of the PH Embassy that during in times of need, they are always there to help and guide through. They ensure that you will not be stuck in misery and helps you to survive. The PH Embassy always assure that your distress is not permanent, hence, nothing lasts forever. 

Overall, Kuwait has a total tally of 99,964 COVID-19 cases, nearing its 100-thousand mark. Meanwhile, the Philippines have 290,190 total COVID-19 cases with 54,958 total active cases. As of 21 September, 4 PM, the Department of Health announced additional 3,475 newly-reported cases, 86.6% of which are mild COVID-19 cases. Both countries are exerting their effort to impose health protocols and safeguard each live in their respective countries. It is our duty now, as an individual, to follow safety measures to avoid contracting the COVID-19 virus.

 

COVID-19 Resurgence

Health Care Facility in Spain

This photo was taken from: The Globe and Mail

 

It is heartbreaking news that some countries are experiencing the second wave of the COVID-19. This is after they have recorded a record spike on daily new COVID-19 cases in their countries. Among these countries are Spain, Britain, France, Argentina, and Jamaica. Most of the Western European countries had successfully tamed down the spread of coronavirus through imposing strict lockdowns and health protocols. However, COVID-19 cases and deaths are spiking up again within these countries due to complacency. According to the news, the contributing factors in COVID-19 resurgence are the nightlife and group activities, large family gatherings, and return in tourism. Also, they have recognized the lack of adequate housing and health care for migrants as one of the other suspected contributing factors.

The COVID-19 resurgence was concentrated only in the countries mentioned earlier. The following governments renewed their restrictions. Hence, the complacency of the people had contributed most to the COVID-19 resurgence. We should always keep in mind that the coronavirus is still in the environment and we should protect ourselves from contracting the virus.

 

MUST-READ AND SHARE!

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CORONAVIRUSDIARIES: Week #26: Facing New Beginnings amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

 

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