Coronavirus, COVID-19
CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #54 – The Battle of Frontliners
May 04, 2020, Monday
“In a time of destruction, create something.”
Maxine Hong Kingston
The country of Kuwait has imposed its efforts and precautionary measures to contain the spread of the virus. In May 4, 2020, the Ministry of Health has announced an additional of 295 new cases with 2 deaths and 171 recoveries. It results to a total of 5,278 COVID-19 cases for the whole nation. It also stated that the number of patients in ICU is 79, where 42 of them are critical and 37 are fortunately stable.
The deaths include a Kuwaiti national in the age of 74 years old and an Indian resident aged 58 years old. With this, citizens are still advised to practice good personal hygiene and physical distancing in this moment of crisis.
Kuwait’s Pledge to the European Union Fundraiser Event
As Kuwait continues its fight against the COVID-19 virus, its government contributed a total of USD 40 million for the research funding of the vaccine. The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah said that the State of Kuwait gives its full support to the conference and international attempts in halting the virus transmission worldwide. Therefore, a pledge of 40 million USD is given. He affirmed it on the online Coronavirus Global Response pledging event. Its host is the European Commission President Ursual von der Leyen.
Overall, about 100 million US dollars is donated by Kuwait ever since the beginning of the outbreak. The minster thanked the European Union (EU) for organizing this crucial event. He reiterated the preparedness of Kuwait in cooperating with other countries against the coronavirus pandemic. He represented His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who wished everyone the best in all endeavors.
Kuwait also has its contribution amounting to 60 million USD that aids the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the global response to the threat of COVID-19. WHO carries a decisive role in responding to this pandemic. Thus, Kuwait is dedicated to provide its support through financial pledges or donation.
During the conference, he encouraged all its participants not to forget our individual responsibility to support and assist the world despite the current health crisis. Other issues still exist such as migrants, refugees, famine, poverty and transmission of other illnesses.
Identifying Positive Cases in Kuwait
Once a single case of COVID-19 infection is identified, immediate closure within the establishment is applied in the country. This is what happened within the Ministry of Education after one of its staff tested for coronavirus infection. It suspended work on all its sectors. According to the Assistant Undersecretary and Official Spokesman of the Ministry Faisal Al-Maqseed, the suspension include all the studios where there are recorded long distance teaching lessons.
However, despite the continuing threat of COVID-19, some sectors of the ministry carried on their work to examine the necessary issues. The suspension of all public sectors imposed by the government continues. On its temporary closure, the concerned authorities sterilized the whole building. Assistant Undersecretary Al-Maqseed thanked the rapid response of the Civil Defense and Defense Ministry for the disinfection of the building.
A security guard working in the Khaldiya Cooperative Society tested positive for coronavirus infection. It led to the closure of the establishment to avoid further transmission. During this period, sterilization will be conducted to ensure the safety of the customers.
A posted photo shows the situation during the conducted field testing in Farwaniya. I commend the efforts of our medical frontliners for their constant dedication in identifying COVID-19 patients. It is only through diagnostic tests that we can prevent transmission within the community.
Medical Equipment from China
On the other hand, a military plane from the country of China successfully arrived in Kuwait. It is fully loaded with sufficient medical equipment. As stated from the press release by the Ministry’s Moral Guidance and Public Relations Directorate, these are the efforts from the eminent joint cooperation of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, Defense and the Ministry of Health. It is for the purpose to effectively flatten the curve of the number of coronavirus cases within the nation of Kuwait.
This Monday marks the 44th day of the curfew and 12th day of the Ramadan. The significant generosity of Kuwait in supporting the global efforts against COVID-19 pandemic is commendable. The Kuwait government have done a great job in handling the coronavirus situation ensuring the safety and welfare of both citizens and residents.
Advisory from Philippine Embassy in Kuwait
The Philippine Embassy of Kuwait has released another advisory in regards about PhilHealth payments for Overseas Filipino Workers in Kuwait. Within its advisory no. 56 series of 2020, the title states that there are no POEA Governing Board Resolution Resolution that requires payment of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) contributions in the issuance of Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
They remain to be consistent with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte in lessening the additional burden to OFW’s through the suspension of the collection of higher premiums from OFWs. This advisory is for the concern of the OFWs in regards of their Philhealth payments. With this, they will be able to focus more in protecting themselves against the threat of COVID-19 disease. It proves to be a great help among the Filipinos in Kuwait as they undergo this pandemic crisis.
COVID-19 Updates in the Philippines
In the Philippines, there are 262 new COVID-19 cases for May 04, 2020 with 16 new deaths and 101 recoveries. In total, there are 9,485 cases with 623 confirmed deaths and 1,315 recoveries. The increase of the new cases have alarmed the authorities. Consequently, they have decided to temporarily suspend the commercial international flights for one week. However, outbound international flights will be allowed if approved by the Inter-Agency Task force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease. In this implementation, they have hopes to further stop the spread of the virus.
It is good to know that our frontliners still continue to serve the community and fight this pandemic despite the risks that they are facing. In this time of crisis, all of us should be working together.
“Sa kanila’y sinabi ni Jesus, Ako ang tinapay ng kabuhayan: ang lumalapit sa akin ay hindi magugutom, at ang sumasampalataya sa akin kailan ma’y hindi mauuhaw.”
Juan 6:35
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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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