CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #10 -Courtesy to the Expatriates

March 21, 2020, Saturday

“Courtesy is the one coin you can never have too much of or be stingy with.”

John Wanamaker

During this period of crisis, everyone is worried about the outcomes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, every country must possess the virtue of patience and strength of faith in these days of trial.  In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health has announced 17 new COVID-19 cases with five recoveries. It brings to a total of 176 cases with 27 recovered cases.

Within the new cases, 8 of them have contact with a case traveling to the United Kingdom. Four cases have a travel history to the United Kingdom, 1 Kuwait citizen with travel history to the United Arab Emirates, 1 Kuwait citizen with travel history to Egypt, and 3 cases of travel history to Switzerland. Currently, there are 149 active cases in the country. Compared to yesterday, the new number of cases has increased.

The Concern of the Expatriates

The authorities reported that about 1,600 expatriates gathered at a Health Center in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh to get an official note indicating that they are free from the COVID-19 disease. These people have already finished their home quarantine for 14 days. The clean chit is required to be able to resume their jobs.

 As a response, the Ministry of Health has continued its efforts to receive those who have completed their quarantine. The Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Health Center has managed to work in two shifts in the morning and evenings to cope with the big workload. 

 The procedure in implementing home quarantine to these expatriates before permitting them to get back to work is a good move in identifying which of these expatriates are infected with COVID-19 disease. It is a great help to the government in mitigating its spread.

            They reported that 170 Indian passengers would be leaving from the Kuwait International Airport. They accomplished the deportees’ travel procedures with the coordination of the Ministry of Interior, Public Authority for Manpower, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Indian Embassy. It is to allow the detainees with a number of 700 people from various nationalities to get back home.

 I appreciate the country’s authorities, for they have given these expatriates a chance to get back to their homeland. Even if they have committed crimes that sent them for deportation, the government has permitted their return to their respective countries. 

Violation of the Quarantine Guidelines

The Ministry of Interior has arrested a Kuwaiti woman for violation against the guidelines issued by the Council of Ministers, which prohibits the gathering of people in a single place. It is because she performed religious rites inside her home. The Directorate General of Public Relations and Security Media Department of the Inferior Ministry has stated that the apprehension happened after a video of her performing the religious rite was posted online.

 The Ministry of Interior appealed to the public to comply with the ministerial 64 of 2020, which was issued by the Ministry of Health. This guideline would prevent people from gatherings such as wedding parties and other events, even if the meeting happened in public places or their private homes. 

In complying with the guidelines, I will express my salute to the government for being strict with the quarantine’s implementation. If they neglected these violations, then the COVID-19 situation will not be improved. It is necessary to be stringent to stop its further spread successfully.

Today marks the 10^th day of the quarantine. The Kuwait authorities showed its great concern towards the expatriates in their country. It is because they contributed a lot to the workforce of the country. As one of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the country, I will express my gratitude for ensuring foreign workers’ safety from the threat of coronavirus disease. I hope that we can stop this pandemic soon so they can normally return to their respective jobs.

 In the Philippines, the Department of Health has reported 77 new COVID-19 cases with one additional death and five recoveries. It brings to a total of 307 cases, with 19 deaths and 13 recoveries. Most of the COVID-19 deaths in the country involve older people in recent days. However, they recorded that four older adults have also managed to recover today. The new number of cases in the country has increased.

Hazard Pay for the Frontliners

 The government has reported the arrival of 100,000 test kits for the SARS-CoV-2 virus from the country of China today. It is currently the second batch of test kits donations from the Chinese government. Along with the test kits, there are 10,000 pieces of n95 masks, 100,000 surgical masks, and 10,000 personal protective equipment.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has expressed his gratitude to the Chinese Ambassador Huan Xilian during their turnover ceremony. He said it is a tremendous help to the Philippines in its COVID-19 situation. Lastly, he stressed the importance of working together rather than blaming each other for the virus. 

Additionally, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) schools and training centers have produced 17,866 face masks to distribute to the government’s frontliners. TESDA Director General Isidro S. Lapena said that TESDA has decided to do something to the problem of the frontliners with the shortage of face masks. Despite the increased prices of face masks due to its high demand, they have decided to give it for free to the people who are facing high risks in contracting the virus as they continue to serve the community.

 For the frontliners to serve the community efficiently, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go has supported granting hazard pay to the government’s frontliners. It compensates for the sacrifice performed by the frontline government workers during the implementation of enhanced community quarantine in the country. Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado has requested an administrative order allowing these workers to receive hazard pay not exceeding 500 persons per day.

As the country battles the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine government opted to reward the professionals who are working in the frontlines against the disease. We must be reminded to show the appreciation of our dedicated heroes in this crisis. In this way, we can show our gratitude for their unceasing service.

“Ituro sa bata ang daang dapat niyang lakaran at hanggang sa paglaki’y di niya ito malilimutan.”

Mga Kawikaan 22:6

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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