Coronavirus, COVID-19
CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #65 – Seeing the Hope in this Crisis
May 15, 2020, Friday
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
Desmond Tutu
In these times of the pandemic, the days may seem to be enveloped with darkness and negativity. However, we can still see the light of hope as the government of the different countries continue to implement security measures against the battle of COVID-19. In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health has reported 885 new COVID-19 cases with eight deaths and 189 recoveries. It brings to a total of 12,860 cases, with 96 confirmed deaths and 3,640 recovered cases. There are 190 patients under the intensive care unit, in which 90 are stable, and 100 are in critical condition.
Within the new cases, 108 are Kuwait citizens, 184 are Indians, 267 are Egyptians, and 115 are Bangladeshis. In the governorates, there are 265 cases in Farwaniya, 251 in Hawally, 187 in Ahmadi, 97 in Jahra, and 75 in the Capital. Among the residential areas, Farwaniya is still the highest, with 104 cases being monitored by the ministry.
In this Friday, the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid has held a meeting with the Minister of Health Sheikh Dr. Basel Al-Sabah about the latest developments of COVID-19 disease. The preventive measures to reduce its spread in the country are also discussed.
Furthermore, it is announced that His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah has thanked all the expatriates and citizens of Kuwait to understand why full curfew is implemented. He hopes that he could announce the gradual return to normal life by the health guidelines. The government has to adopt these tough measures such as suspension of workplaces, closure of borders, departure of expatriates, and banning of prayers in mosques within this full curfew.
According to the meeting of the Ministry of Health, increasing the capacity of beds and intensive care units are planned. It has also discussed the geographical distribution of the cases. The Health Ministry has noted that the storage of medical equipment and medications are enough. The purpose of the meeting is to review the current and future health plans, which would be referred to as the ministerial committees.
On top of that, the prime minister expressed his gratitude to the Kuwait Army, National Guard, and firemen for confronting the COVID-19 disease. He has commended the municipality, state media, ministries of commerce, and social affairs for their continuous service.
Everyone has realized the vicious health crisis that the country is facing. For this, harsh measures are required. The parliament’s approval in postponing the sessions are in line with the measures of the health authorities. Conducting these parliamentary sessions is needed, and laws that can help the government manage this crisis are approved. Lastly, they would like to inform MPs about the government measures, including contracts that took place during this period.
I much appreciate the Prime Minister in keeping in touch with the citizens and showing his gratitude towards his constituents. Through this, he will be able to gain the cooperation of Kuwait’s citizens for commitment to the curfew guidelines that are needed during this time. As the authorities instigated the countermeasures against the disease, Kuwait’s whole country will unite as one.
On the other hand, the Abdullah Al-Salem and Al-Mansouriya Cooperative have officially closed down. It is because 77 of the workers in the establishment have tested positive with the COVID-19 virus. In my opinion, these workers face almost the same risks as the frontliners do against the disease. To prevent the further shutdown of the other cooperatives because of the virus, these workers should equip themselves with PPE during their duty.
In addition to that, the authorities continue to conduct field testing for COVID-19 in Taima, Jahra. I have my respect for these dedicated security forces in identifying further the victims of these contagious diseases. Even with the constant risk of contracting the virus, they still choose to do their duty and serve their nation.
In the Philippines, the Department of Health has announced 215 new COVID-19 cases with 16 deaths and 123 recovered cases. It brings to a total of 12,091 cases, with 806 confirmed deaths and 2,460 successful recoveries. Currently, there are 8,825 active cases in the country.
Furthermore, the government admits the issue of the backlog in its COVID-19 tests. Deputy chief implementer of the national policy on COVID-19 disease, Vince Dizon, has confirmed that there is a backlog of about 7,000 COVID-19 tests within the nation. The backlog in the testing of COVID-19 means that the authorities cannot determine the actual number of people infected with the virus. However, he assured that they have a solution to the problem and can eliminate it within two weeks.
According to their data, the actual tests conducted in a day have increased by 74% on May 10 with 8,700 tests per day compared on May 2, which have 5,000 tests per day. As the number of laboratories increased, they can address the backlog within the tests. As of now, there are 30 laboratories in the country. If these licensed laboratories increased, they would be able to determine the actual cases of COVID-19 in the country.
Today marks the 53rd day of the curfew, 21st day of the Ramadan, and the 5th day of the total lockdown. Kuwait has a total of 12,860 COVID-19 cases, while the Philippines has 12,091 cases. As of now, the total cases of Kuwait prove to be higher than those in the Philippines.
“Magpakatatag tayo sa ating pag-asa at huwag nang mag-alinlangan pa, sapagkat ang nangako sa atin ay maaasahan.”
Mga Hebrero 10:23
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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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