Coronavirus, COVID-19
CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #71 -Improving COVID-19 Test Kits
May 21, 2020, Thursday
“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”
Benjamin Franklin
All countries globally need COVID-19 test kits as the world faces the threat of COVID-19 disease. It is only through these test kits that the authorities can confirm an infected person. In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health reported 1,041 new COVID-19 cases with five additional deaths and 320 recoveries. It brings to a total tally of 18,609 cases with 129 deaths and 5,205 recoveries.
Within the latest cases, 325 of the Indian residents, 211 are Kuwaiti citizens, 177 are Egyptians, and 139 are Bangladeshis. In the governorates, there are 383 cases in Farwaniya, 275 cases in Ahmadi, 173 cases in Hawally, 107 in the Capital, and 103 in Jahra. Among the residential areas, Farwaniya ranks the highest with 116 cases. Currently, there are 13,275 active cases. Compared to yesterday’s report, the new number of cases increased.
The Kuwait government reported that a Kuwaiti medical team succeeded in their development of a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) solution for the COVID-19 test. In just a short time, they managed to develop a technique that proves to have excellent diagnostic results. Head of Surgical Department of Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital Dr. Salman Al-Sabah said that its discovery would have a qualitative leap. The World Health Organization considered this PCR test the most accurate one against COVID-19. The test requires a sample of the patient in which the health personnel will blend it with the solution called the PCR kit. Al-Sabah further added that the countries around the world are struggling to acquire this costly solution.
In addition to that, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Mazidi affirmed that the research team already started the initial production phase. The next step is the acceleration of production to fulfill domestic demands. With the production of this solution, the Kuwaiti government will save large amounts of money and prevent any late deliveries from abroad. Lastly, the two physicians expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of Health and all their team members for their continuous dedication and hard work that brought them to this success.
I commend the hard work and intelligence of Kuwait researchers for inventing another PCR test against COVID-19 disease. They helped all the citizens and residents in the country for faster identification of the individuals infected with the virus. The authorities of Kuwait cannot isolate the infected people without proper COVID-19 tests conducted on them.
The authorities of Kuwait confirmed that the commercial flights to and from Kuwait would gradually resume Eid Al-Fitr. With the coordination of the Civil Aviation, Kuwaiti departures, and ex-pats of all nationality will re-operate if they will sign a pledge stating that they are responsible for their health aspect. They must also comply with the implemented precautionary procedures.
Furthermore, the authorities require the Kuwaiti citizens to register the names and details in the embassies of the countries where they are residing if they want to return to Kuwait. By the decision of the Council of Ministers, the expatriates who are of the first-degree relation to the Kuwait citizens can return to Kuwait after the Kuwait Embassy in their respective countries review their identifications.
The re-operation of commercial flights can affect the COVID-19 situation in the country. It is evident in the scientific data that the new number of cases in the country is still high. The authorities must reconsider this decision to stop the further spread of the virus. However, if the concerned facilities and passengers will apply precautionary health measures during the re-operation of commercial flights, then everything can go smoothly without the fear of the COVID-19 virus.
On the other hand, the authorities continue their bread distribution in Bneid Al-Gar. It is apparent in the photo that security forces are actively present during the event. It will ensure that these citizens are practicing physical distancing and using face covers or facemasks during the distribution.
Another food distribution happened in Mahboula. In the video, it is evident that there is a large crowd gathering in the site of distribution. The citizens who received food packs are not practicing precautionary health measures. It happens almost every day in Mahboula. The authorities should take action about these gatherings and change their way of distribution. It is through this way that we can prevent the further spread of the virus.
In the Philippines, the Department of Health reported 213 new COVID-19 cases with four additional deaths and 68 recoveries. It brings to a total of 13,434 cases, with 846 deaths and 3,000 recovered cases. Currently, there are 9,558 cases in the country. Compared to yesterday’s report, the new number of COVID-19 cases decreased within 24 hours.
Malacañang affirmed today that the country is still undergoing the first wave of COVID-19 disease despite the statement of Health Secretary Francisco Duque saying that the country is already in the second wave of the pandemic crisis. Malacañang further stressed that the interpretation of “waves” are different from other experts. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that Duque did not make a mistake, but had a different opinion. Furthermore, Roque explained that the Palace is more inclined to the opinion of other experts saying the Philippines is still on the first wave. Meanwhile, the experts in the medical field may have different deciphering of the country’s scientific data about COVID-19.
Also, the Philippine government stated that it is likely that all provinces in the country will be under general community quarantine (GCQ) by August. However, it can happen if the Filipinos abide by the quarantine protocols imposed by the government to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In the country, Cebu and Mandaue City are undergoing enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), which is the most stringent of all community quarantine. In the meantime, Metro Manila Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Zambales, Pampanga, and Angeles City are currently under modified, enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). Other provinces in the country are under general community quarantine (GCQ). By Duterte’s approval, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) has ten days left to decide whether the community quarantine is decided.
Today marks the 59th day of the curfew, 27th day of the Ramadan, and 11th day of the total lockdown. Kuwait has a total tally of 18,609 COVID-19 cases, and the Philippines has 13,434 cases. Despite the huge number of cases in Kuwait, the country managed to invent a reliable COVID-19 test for its citizens. On the other hand, the Philippines has a lower number of total cases, but the problem of the backlog within the testing of COVID-19 still exists. With this, both countries have their advantages and disadvantages at hand. Even so, I give my thanks to both countries’ governments for their unceasing service for the community.
“Ang lumalakad sa daan ng katuwiran at katapatan ay nagkakamit ng buhay at karangalan.”
Mga Kawikaan 21:21
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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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