Coronavirus, COVID-19
CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #64 – The Warmth of Bread in the Pandemic Crisis
May 14, 2020, Thursday
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
Winston Churchill
Many countries around the world have implemented total lockdown in hopes of stopping the spread of COVID-19. However, the plight of hunger and job losses emerge during the period. In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health has reported 947 new COVID-19 cases with six deaths and 188 recoveries for this Thursday of May 14, 2020. It brings to a total of 11,975 cases with 88 confirmed deaths and 3,451 successful recoveries. One hundred seventy-five patients are under the intensive care unit, 95 of whom are currently critical.
Within the new cases, 160 are Kuwait citizens, 256 are Indians, 235 are Egyptians, and 124 are Bangladeshis. In the governorates, there are 122 in the Capital, 189 in Hawally, 171 in Ahmadi, 347 in Farwaniya, and 118 in Jahra. Among the residential areas, Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh is the highest with 104 cases. Compared to yesterday’s report, the number of cases in the country has increased.
This Thursday, an Indian nurse has died at Jabir hospital due to COVID-19 disease in Kuwait. According to Bandar Al-Enzi, who is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwaiti Nursing Society, the name of the Indian nurse is Annie Matthew. She served as a nurse in Kuwait Central Blood Bank at Jabriya.
She has played a great role in the country’s fight against the pandemic. It always takes a special person to become a nurse. I am dismayed to know that another frontliner has sacrificed her life. As the battle carries on, everyone must stay at home and comply with the safety measures requested by the authorities.
The authorities reported that the Al-Daiya Cooperative has 37 employees infected with the COVID-19 virus. They identified the employees through the Ministry of Health’s efforts in conducting medical tests on all of the employees. I am reassured that the Health Ministry is doing its best in identifying patients infected with the virus.
Furthermore, the implementation of lockdown is somehow ignored as long queues of citizens appear during the distribution of bread in Bneid Al-Gar and Hassawi. The bread is distributed by the authorities to help those affected with the “No Work, No pay” situation. The government agencies have managed to provide bread to the community in coordination with the civil defense.
I give my thanks and salute to the government, for they have managed to distribute bread to the community. It is difficult to conduct this distribution, knowing the possible risks of the virus. However, precautionary measures such as physical distancing are not applied during the distribution. I am deeply disappointed at the same time for many people who have chosen to ignore the threat of this pandemic to satisfy their hunger. Because of the suspension of work, these citizens don’t have their regular income. In the end, they become more scared of experiencing hunger than being infected with the disease.
In addition to that, the same situation has happened during the distribution of gas cylinders in Khaitan. Physical distancing and wearing of masks are also not practiced while lining up for the distribution. The government is doing its duty in supplying these goods to the community. However, it should be the responsibility of the citizens to practice the precautionary measures during the distribution.
On the other hand, the Nuwaiseeb border continues to receive stranded Kuwait citizens from Saudi Arabia. As part of the government’s repatriation plans, the citizens are allowed to pass while following safety and health precautions. On their arrival, the authorities will transfer them to the Al-Khiran resort for their mandatory quarantine.
In the Philippines, the Department of Health has announced 258 new COVID-19 cases with 18 deaths and 86 recoveries. It brings to a total of 11,786 cases, with 790 total deaths and 2,337 successful recoveries. The country currently has 8,749 active cases. Compared to yesterday, the report of new COVID-19 cases has lowered.
Since last Saturday, the government lifted the lockdown measures except to the high-risk areas such as Metro Manila, Laguna province, and Cebu City. In these areas, they extended the enhanced community quarantine until May 31. However, it will be modified to begin the revival phase of the economy slowly.
Furthermore, President Rodrigo Duterte warns the community that the nation cannot afford a second and a third wave of the virus outbreak. Because COVID-19 disease remains a threat, the Filipinos cannot return to their old ways immediately until no vaccine is released.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said that we started with ECQ, which will shift to modified ECQ before going to general community quarantine. After that, the country will go to the modified general community quarantine before returning to the new normal.
Today marks the 52nd day of the curfew, 20th day of the Ramadan, and 4th day of the total lockdown. Kuwait has a total of 11,975 COVID-19 cases, while the Philippines has 11,876 cases. The total cases of Kuwait are currently higher than in the cases in the Philippines. I believe that the flattening of the epidemic curve will happen soon due to the constant efforts of the public government and private agencies in halting the spread of the virus.
“Huwag kayong mag-alala sa anumang bagay. Sa halip, ilapit sa Dios ang lahat ng pangangailangan niyo sa pamamagitan ng panalangin na may pasasalamat.”
Filipos 4:6
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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
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