CORONAVIRUS DIARIES: DAY #105 – Possible Plans for the Second Phase

June 24, 2020

“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.”

Alan Lakem

Many countries pursue their gradual return to the normal days amid this coronavirus pandemic. The transmission within the community continues. However, we have made significant adaptation to this critical situation. Respective governments have imposed measures that will reduce its spread. With that, I hope that we can keep up our stringent compliance as we will soon begin our second phase in Kuwait’s country.

\In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health recorded 846 new COVID-19 cases with three additional deaths and 505 recoveries. It brings to a total tally of 41,879 cases with 337 fatalities and 32,809 recovered cases. Within the new cases, 490 are Kuwait citizens consisting of 57.92 percent, while 356 are residents of various nationalities comprising 42.08 percent of the total count. In the governorates, there are 291 cases in Al Jahra, 200 in Al Ahmadi, 140 in Al Farwaniya, 122 in Hawally, and 93 in the Capital. Among the residential areas, Saad Al Abdullah is the highest with 59 cases.

Currently, 8,733 coronavirus patients are receiving medical treatment. Compared to yesterday’s report, the new number of cases increased.

Plans for the Second Phase

The coronavirus outbreak continues in Kuwait as its government maintains its stringent implementation of curfew and isolation protocols in selected areas. The Kuwait government decided the extension of the first phase for a single week. As the second stage will soon start this Sunday of June 28, 2020, the authorities will reduce the schedule of partial curfew to 9:00 pm to 5:00 am.

The work in government ministries and institutions will resume for about 30 percent of its workforce. For the visitors, a prior appointment is provided through registration with a specific barcode. The malls will also reopen from 8:00 am until 7:00 pm. However, 15-years-old below cannot is prohibited from the malls.

For the isolation protocols, the Kuwait government does not intend to impose it on any new areas. The good thing is that it will likely lift the isolation protocols in Mahboula and Farwaniya. Jleeb Al-Shuoukh will remain under isolation protocols.

The Ministry of Health will continue to supervise and monitor most of the institutional quarries. It is for the prevention of any possible second wave of the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

Lifting the isolation protocols within the areas will help a lot of people as their jobs will gradually return. Especially to our fellow Kabayans, the struggles of the “No Work, No Pay” situation will soon be solved. Despite the increasing number of cases, there is still hope that we can return to our livelihood.

The COVID-19 Situation of the Country

The Manpower of Kuwait conducted an inspection campaign at Sabah Al-Salem University City. I am glad that inspection campaigns are continued to ensure the compliance of the individuals to the imposed health guidelines.

The country’s active cases begin to increase despite the gradual decrease of its records in recent days. Despite the threat of coronavirus, many citizens and residents visited the beaches. I understand that we also need our moments of venturing outside, enjoying the gift of nature. However, we must instill in our minds that the transmission of the virus is present within the community. 

 Therefore, we must practice the precautionary health measures stringently if ever we decided to venture out to the beaches. Let us not be too complacent for things can get uncontrolled if many individuals disregard the imposed measures. 

In Farwaniya, a posted video shows a person moving the cemented barricades as a vehicle comes to pick him up. The authorities placed these barricades to remind them that trespassing beyond those points is prohibited. I am disappointed by this incident for many individuals are not following the implemented guidelines. I pray that they will be enlightened and be fearful of the effects of the coronavirus outbreak. In this way, they will comply with the guidelines to save not only himself but also the people around him.

 A posted video shows the efforts of the National Guard of Kuwait. They remain devoted to serving the citizens and residents as they ensure their safety and welfare. In the video, they performed their respective jobs with complete PPEs.

Today marks the 25^th day of the government’s implemented first phase plan. I am very thankful for all the hard work and efforts of the Kuwait government to protect the nation’s public safety. They have done their best in curbing the spread of coronavirus disease. In their unceasing service of the country, they possess the heart of bravery and compassion towards the community. As we will soon transition to the second phase, I hope that the COVID-19 cases will reduce in the next days. 

Public Advisory About Online Survey for Repatriation

 In Kuwait, the Philippine Embassy released another advisory about the online survey for the possible repatriation of the OFWs. The Embassy requested the displaced Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait to participate in the online survey established by the Embassy. It aims to accumulate information for the possibility that these OFWs will be repatriated to the Philippines. To access the online survey, click here. https://bit.ly/KuwaitPESurveyRepat

Rest assured, confidentiality to the gathered responses is established. For those who participated, the Embassy advised them to wait for a call or message from the office. These responses will be accepted until Thursday of June 25, 2020.

Proposed Plans for Further Assistance for OFWs

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) logged on 27 new COVID-19 cases of Overseas Filipinos with four additional fatalities and 15 recoveries. It brings to a total record of 8,351 cases with 512 deaths and 5,072 recovered cases. The reported cases came from the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Through the Foreign Service Posts, the DFA will continue to monitor the COVID-19 of our fellow Filipinos abroad.

 As the Philippine government continues its battle against COVID-19 disease, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go entirely supported the proposed plans that provide credit assistance to our fellow Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It includes benefits and incentives for business investments. He strongly emphasized to the Philippines’ Legislator, the consistency of the government in responding to the needs of 11 million OFWs. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, many OFWs are suspended from their work abroad.

There are a lot of bills supporting assistance to OFWs that are taken up today. Senator Go expresses his support to these bills for the welfare of about 10 percent of the country’s population, which is composed of OFWs. Here are the following proposed laws in the government.

1. Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. and Sen. Grace Poe filed Senate Bull Nos. 317 and 801 stating that OFWs can avail of a loan from the Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA) worth PHP 50,000. It will assist them in their living expenses as work is not available for a few months and their pre-employment costs. 
2. Senator Nancy Binay proposed the SB 566 or the Business Incentives for OFWs Act to provide the OFWs their business enterprises. It will include tax incentives and access to government financial institutions with lower market rates.

With all these proposed measures, Go appeals to the Philippine government and its citizens for their continuous cooperation amid the coronavirus health crisis. These tackled measures will surely help our brothers and sisters abroad. If ever these excellent proposed plans are approved, I am thanking the Philippine government, notably for their huge assistance to our fellow OFWs. I believe that these proposals can help them restart their livelihood as their jobs are significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Nawa ang Dios na nagbibigay sa atin ng pag-asa ang siya ring magbigay sa inyo ng buong kagalakan at kapayapaan dahil sa inyong pananampalataya sa kanya, para patuloy na lumago ang inyong pag-asa sa pamamagitan ng Banal na Espiritu.”

Roma 15:13 ASND

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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