Coronavirus, COVID-19
CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #63 – The Risky Duties of the Frontliners
May 13, 2020, Wednesday
“Our duty is to be useful, not according to our desires but our powers.”
Henri Frederic Amiel
The threat of the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the globe. In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health has reported 751 new COVID-19 cases with seven deaths and 162 recoveries. It brings to a total of 11,028 cases, with 82 confirmed deaths and 3,263 recovered cases. There are 169 cases in the intensive care unit, in which 77 are critical. Within the new cases, 103 are Kuwait citizens, 233 are Indians, 193 are Egyptians, and 72 are Bangladeshis. In the governorates, there are 261 in Farwaniya, 180 in Hawally, 153 in Ahmadi, 93 in Capital and 64 in Jahra. Compared to yesterday, the new number of cases has decreased.
Today, the Ministry of Health has issued a circular for the employees and visitors to take photographs or video filming. It is now prohibited to take photos or videos inside the ministry and health facilities without permission from the ministry. Its purpose is to ensure the comfort and privacy of the patients and the medical staff. To avoid any legal issues, everyone must follow the implemented circular.
In my opinion, it is ethical that they must prohibit any elements of media within these premises. It will also protect the COVID-19 patients from any discrimination of being infected with the disease. It also applies to the health workers since many people fear that they may bring the virus into their homes.
On top of that, the Ministry of Health has released the Ministerial Resolution No. 13 of 2020. It includes the decisions of the Council of Ministers to implement measures to limit the spread of the virus. The first article states that all citizens and residents of Kuwait are mandated to wear a protective mask and practice social distancing in public areas. The second article states that the authorities will take any necessary action against its offenders. Lastly, the third article states that the article will be published in the Official Gazette and enforced from its date.
The article means that it is obligatory to practice the precautionary measures in sustaining the spread of the virus. These precautionary measures are addressed in the law for the citizens to abide by them strictly. However, it is still evident in the streets that many people are still not practicing during the walking period from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Wearing face masks and social distancing is not applied.
They reported that a field testing of the COVID-19 disease had been conducted in Adailiya and Khaldiya. It is vital to identify other cases and isolate the patients immediately from the population. The photos below show the infected areas and the buildings that are under quarantine measures in the country. It is essential to stay vigilant within these areas to avoid contracting the virus.
In Jleeb Al Shuyoukh, the Ministry of Information has used a drone to raise awareness about the guidelines in the lockdown, in which they should stay home. The message announced in different regional languages such as Hindi, Bengali, and other more. Furthermore, they warn the residents about the possible consequences if anyone violates the curfew time.
The security forces of Kuwait have done a good job of implementing the law given by the government. They are resourceful and creative as they think of all the possible ways to enforce the lockdown and the curfew effectively. It reassures me that many people have heard from their homes the message of awareness announcement through a drone.
The Ministry of Interior in Kuwait has reported about the riot of Egyptian workers at a shelter in Farwaniya. While the policeman is reading out the names that will be sent over for repatriation, these lawbreakers gathered and assaulted him. Security forces arrested the three agitators for controlling the situation immediately. The ministry reminds the citizens to always abide by the law.
It can be disheartening to know that some people have already lost their patience as they could not wait to return to their homeland. In this time of crisis, everyone needs patience because not all people’s wishes will be addressed immediately by the authorities. One must learn how to wait and follow the given law.
In the Philippines, the Department of Health has announced 268 new cases with 21 deaths and 145 recoveries. It brings to a total of 11,618 cases, with 772 confirmed deaths and 2,251 recoveries. Compared to yesterday’s report, the new number of cases decreased.
The daily identification of the new cases has become accessible and easy, thanks to the DOH efforts. It is because the country currently has 30 laboratories capable of COVID-19 tests for the public. Specifically, 28 are licensed RT-PCR laboratories, while the two are designated as GeneXpert rapid testing facilities. GeneXpert test kits can provide results faster with a duration of 45 minutes compared to the RT-PCR test that has a duration of at least 24 hours. Furthermore, the authorities have a goal to have a total of 78 testing laboratories in detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus nationwide.
The government has started to lift movement restrictions in some regions of the country. However, the Department of Health said that the Philippines had not controlled the transmission of the disease. The health risks within the nation remain high as the spread of the disease has still not curb. Precautionary health standards must be widely practiced throughout the nation.
Today marks the 51st day of the curfew, 19th day of the Ramadan, and 3rd day of the total lockdown. Kuwait has a total of 11,028 COVID-19 cases, while the Philippines has 11,618 cases. The total cases in Kuwait are catching up closely to the Philippines. Despite the risks that the frontliners from both countries face, they continue to serve the community. It is my great thanks to the security forces and healthcare workers in controlling the distressing situations and keeping their respective citizens safe.
“At huwag nating kaligtaan ang paggawa ng mabuti at ang pagtulong sa kapwa, sapagkat iyan ang alay na kinalulugdan ng Diyos”
Mga Hebreo 13:16
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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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