CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #06 -Financial Assistance as Support

March 17, 2020, Tuesday

“The lack of money is the root of all evil.”

Mark Twain

Wherever you go, we cannot deny the importance of financial support in our lives. It is the reason why we work day-to-day. In this time of the COVID-19 crisis, we need financial assistance to fight this contagious pandemic. In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health reported seven new COVID-19 cases with three additional recoveries in this Tuesday of March 17, 2020. It brings to a total tally of 130 cases with 12 successful recoveries in the country.

Within the new cases, all seven of them are Kuwait citizens who have travel history to the United Kingdom. Currently, there are 118 active cases. Compared to yesterday’s report, the number of new cases decreased.

This Tuesday, the authorities reported that the State of Kuwait officially donated USD 40 million to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is the country’s contribution against the battle of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been spreading across the world. The Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah said in a press release that the donation is directed by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to help the efforts of the international organization in containing the disease.

 It is is a good move for the country of Kuwait in cooperation with other countries worldwide. It is because of this disease, no matter where you came from, affects all of us. I can see that the government is cooperating with its citizens and other international countries. From this, I can see the great coordination of humanity.

What is more, a government official confirmed that the United States is now conducting a clinical trial for a vaccine in Seattle. It includes 45 young and healthy volunteers. With the financial assistance offered by Kuwait and from other countries, I am reassured that we are now a step closer to finding the vaccine for this disease.

 On top of that, Kuwait’s authorities continue to be stringent on implementing the precautionary measures against the COVID-19 virus. In Hawally, the Municipality inspected the stores and establishments if they are following the precautionary measures. It is to address the problem that there are companies that still do not practice these measures. 

I appreciate the enduring hard work of the officials in inspecting these establishments. Despite the announcements made by the government, it is crucial to examine them to reassure their compliance towards it. With this, many companies will take action following the executed guidelines. 

The Health Minister Sheikh Dr. Basel Al-Sabah further said that Kuwait is undergoing exceptional circumstances like the other countries as the threat of COVID-19 outbreak remains. He confirms that implemented safety measures are a part of a clear strategy that aims to improve the community’s good. The government carefully planned their every action. Therefore, the community must adhere to the instructions of the Kuwaiti Cabinet to ensure its effectiveness.

In addition to that, the Ministry of Health announced to the citizens and residents who have arrived from the countries of Egypt, Hongkong, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, Iraq, Spain, Iran, France, China, Italy, and Germany. The authorities will subject them to institutional quarantine where healthcare specialists will follow them with prescribed health procedures.  For the citizens who came from the countries not mentioned above, the authorities will instruct them to undergo home quarantine.

 The Health Ministry also confirmed that the COVID-19 virus could survive in hot and humid climates and cold and dry conditions. To protect oneself from this disease, we must practice precautionary measures.  

In Kuwait, the Philippine Embassy released an infographic to guide the Overseas Filipino Workers in the country about the implemented rules of Kuwait’s government. The infographic states that government sectors, school offices, and operations of public buses are suspended. In every bank, one branch is open for each governorate. There are no flights available at the Kuwait International Airport. The authorities directed the closure of many establishments.  However, grocery stores and jamiya are still open. Home quarantine for 14 days is mandatory for all citizens. For the expatriates, COVID-19 tests are available at the Kuwait International Fair Grounds in Mishref.

In the Philippines, the Department of Health has reported 45 new COVID-19 cases with one recovered case. It brings to a total record of 187 cases with 12 deaths and four successful recoveries. Compared to yesterday, the new number of cases suddenly increased.

The authorities announced that President Rodrigo Duterte placed the country under the state of calamity upon signing Proclamation No. 929 on Monday. Its purpose is to give financial assistance to the local government units in containing the spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, it has a duration of 6 months unless President Duterte decides to lift it or extend it further. With this, the Philippine government requests all government agencies and local government units to use all the available resources to eliminate the threat of this pandemic.

 The Presidents imposed a price freeze on the said items because of the increased demand for medical supplies and essential food commodities. It is to prevent the incidents of hoarding or profiteering on these crucial goods. In cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry, the government will continue to monitor the prices of these commodities and implement price control measures.

            Today marks the 6^th day of the implementation of quarantine. Kuwait has a total tally of 130 COVID-19 cases, while the Philippines has 187 cases. With the growing number of cases in both countries, each country needs financial assistance to mitigate the spread of this disease. I commend both of the governments for providing monetary assistance to each one. In this pandemic time, we must be generous at all times as we unite as one world against COVID-19.  

“Magbigay kayo at kayo’y bibigyan. Hustong takal, siksik, liglig, at umaapaw ang ibibigay sa inyo. Sapagkat ang panukat ng ginamit sa iba ay siya ring panukat na gagamitin sa inyo.”

Lucas 6:38

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The Primary Purpose of my COVID-19 Diaries

CORONAVIRUS: Kuwait OFW Quarantine Diaries – TABLE OF CONTENTS

CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #04 – Halting COVID-19 infections for the Nation

CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #05 – Strict Compliance with the Guidelines

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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