CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #27- International Solidarity During the Pandemic

April 7, 2020, Tuesday

“You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins.”

– Jim Stovall

Arguably, every country in the world faces its challenges in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic. However, this crisis has not shaken Kuwait’s relationship with its neighbors but has only served to further cement their friendship with one another. This is due to the cooperation and support that they have offered to one another as they all strive to contain this crisis.

In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health announced 78 new COVID-19 cases with two additional recoveries. This brings to a total tally of 743 cases with 105 recovered cases. Within the new cases, 69 had contact with confirmed cases, and nine were under investigation. Five hundred sixty-one patients are currently receiving medical treatment, while 20 are in the intensive care unit, with the first coronavirus death being recorded. Compared to yesterday’s report, the new number of cases decreased. 

Fostering Cooperation During the Crisis

Today marks the 27^th day of the quarantine and the 17^th day of curfew. As the number of Coronavirus infections continues to rise in Kuwait, its government has seen fit to be more proactive in its efforts to collaborate with other countries to pool their effort and resources in stemming the transmission of the virus. On a phone call with the Nepalese KP Sharma Oli, His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah addressed the mutual efforts that both Kuwait and Nepal can undertake against the virus. They also discussed bilateral relations and improving the regional and international concerns between the two countries.

The two friendly counties also discussed the importance of collaboration within the international community, especially with regards to mass testing, contact tracing and isolation, and properly allocating their resources in combating the pandemic. The Prime Minister of Nepal also expressed his deepest thanks towards His Highness the Amir for the compassion and substantial care that the Government of Kuwait has shown towards the Nepalese community in the country.

On a phone call with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Relations Dinash Gunawardena this Tuesday; the Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah also discussed the improvements to be made in the close relations between the two countries and the probable measure they can take in mitigating the adverse fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. The actions done by the Kuwaiti Government’s authorities only prove to show their dedication and willingness to work together with the international community to help stem the tide of infections.

In a statement this Tuesday, the Director-General of Kuwait Fire Service Directorate Lt-Gen. Khaled Al-Mekrad said that the government was more than capable of delivering much-needed medicines to the homes of its citizens should the need arise. He also notified the press that the overall distribution of these drugs has been going smoothly ever since March 29 and continues to proceed without any obstacles. He also reminded the citizens of Kuwait to abide by the regulations set by the Ministry regarding home quarantine and also to contact the Health Ministry via its hotline should they ever need to order medicines.

It eases my mind knowing that the authorities have taken the necessary steps in maintaining the wellbeing of their citizens going as far as to deliver their own medicine right at the doorstep. This proves that although the government is strict with the implementation of its health and security guidelines, it has always had the best interests of the people in mind.

Violations During Quarantine

Security personnel from the General Department for Drugs control arrested a man in Hawalli who violated the curfew and also found 80 bottles of homemade liquor. The arrested man said that he was going to see a doctor because he felt that he had symptoms for the coronavirus.

In a statement released to the Kuwait News Agency, the Ministry of Trade and Industry announced that they have recently closed down 15 supermarkets for failing to adhere to the health guidelines and operating protocols set by the Ministry of Health. Their inspection teams also monitored another 80 catering branches in order to ensure the smooth flow sales among its beneficiaries and also to determine their commitment to maintaining the stability of their prices.

Updates of Philippine Embassy in Kuwait

As of April 7, the Government of Kuwait has decided to implement a partial lockdown that has now been extended for two hours as of Monday to be between 5 PM until 6 AM, as well as a lockdown on the areas of Mahboula and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. The Minister of Interior announced this in an online news conference. They also urged all those in violation of the residency law to benefit from the grace period currently being offered by the government for the amnesty program. Al-Saleh, the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, warned that those who fail to avail of the amnesty by the end of this month would no longer be allowed to return to Kuwait.

In the Philippines, the Department of Health announced 104 new COVID-19 cases with fourteen additional deaths and eleven recoveries. It brings to a total tally of 3,764 with 177 fatalities and 84 recovered cases. Compared to yesterday’s report, the new number of cases increased.

In a press release, the Department of Health gave its thanks to the scientists that helped develop the data and evidence needed by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases as it helped them determine plans that were crucial in predicting the needed resources for the coming months. The DOH will continue to tap these groups as more data becomes available for analysis because of expanded testing efforts. It is also widely expected that data from mass testing will improve the accuracy of the models and simulations conducted by the said groups.

As we go about our daily lives in the current pandemic striving to adapt to the new normal, it is important that we remain vigilant and optimistic about our society’s collective efforts in the management of this pandemic. I encourage everyone to remain in touch with their friends, family, and loved ones and look to them as sources of strength and inspiration for it is only together that we can hope to survive this pandemic.

At siya’y kanilang dinaig dahil sa dugo ng Cordero, at dahil sa salita ng kanilang patotoo, at hindi nila inibig ang kanilang buhay hanggang sa kamatayan. 

Pahayag 12:11

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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