CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #02 -The Cooperation of Citizens and the Government

March 13, 2020, Friday

“Leaders become great not because of their power but because of their ability to empower others.”

John Maxwell

The world is currently facing the threat of COVID-19 disease. With this, the solution calls out to the cooperation between the citizens and the government themselves. In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health reported 20 new COVID-19 cases in the country for this Friday of March 13, 2020, with no reported deaths and recoveries. It brings to a total tally of 100 cases with five recoveries.

Within the new cases, 15 are Kuwaitis who have travel history to the Islamic Republic of Iran, one Kuwait citizen who have travel history to the United Kingdom, one Kuwait citizen who have travel history to the United States, one resident who have confirmed travel history to Spain and two residents who have established travel history to Azerbaijan. The authorities reported that two patients moved out from the intensive care unit while one is in critical and two are currently stable. Overall, there are 7,525 tested samples in the country. Compared to yesterday’s report, the new number of cases increased.  

The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Acting Minister encourages the community to stay at home unless deemed necessary. In response, the public complains about the reason why the authorities only closed the public sectors. Many people working in private establishments remain operable for the people. It puts the workers at risk of contracting the disease. With this, I hope that private companies will adhere to the rules and hold full responsibility for their workers. In this way, they can reassure the workers from their worries.

On the other hand, the Promenade Mall in Hawally seems to be like a ghost town where fewer people came to the area today. Another photo shows the empty halls of Avenues Mall. In ordinary days without the pandemic, many people would flock this mall as they hang out in the weekends. Due to the quarantine measures imposed by the government yesterday, these places are not full anymore. However, the stores in these malls are still open for service.

These photos indicate how the people of Kuwait strictly follow compliance during the period of home quarantine. Due to the threat of contracting the COVID-19 virus, people choose to stay home and be safe. It is good because the infection cannot spread quickly without the presence of the crowd. These places may look lonely, but it pacifies me that people are following the government’s protocols.

The religious authorities of Kuwait urge the Muslims to pray at home during this Friday prayers. Among the gulf, Kuwait is not the only Arab country to ban the weekly Friday prayers.

Iran and Iraq also implemented the guideline while Saudi Arabia still performs it but with stringent precautions to stop further the spread of the pandemic.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah conducted an inspection tour to a center and the Khiran Resort quarantine where healthcare workers check the expatriates regularly COVID-19. Identifying the people infected with the virus is essential to initiate contact tracing and isolate those people immediately. With this, he reassures that Kuwait’s citizens are safe as the country pursues preventive and precautionary measures set by the World Health Organization in putting the situation under control.

The Ministry of Interior remains strict about its implementation against the social gathering. In the video, it is evident that the security forces reprimanded the people who are gathering. It is against precautionary protocols to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait announced that its office hours are from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm during March 15-19 and March 23-26 of 2020. In observance of the Prophet’s Ascension, they decided to close their office on March 22, 2020. Within the period of its service, they will not offer the following frontline services. It includes passport renewal application, Philippine visa application, notarization and authentication of documents, civil registration, requests for solemnization of marriage, and Embassy assisted repatriation program. However, they will continue to open its service for passport releasing and other Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) services. With this, the Filipino community should stay healthy; remain calm and vigilant throughout this crisis.

The Embassy further reminds the OFWs in the country to read the guidelines published by the Ministry of Information in Kuwait. It includes wearing facemasks when any respiratory illnesses occur and when one is near a sick individual. The authorities reassure the public that the strategic food is sufficient for the coming days. Supermarkets will continue its service around the clock.

In the Philippines, there are 12 new COVID-19 cases with no reported deaths on May 13, 2020. It brings to a total record of 64 confirmed cases with five deaths. The Department of Health, together with the surveillance teams, conducted contact tracing and extensive information gathering on the newly reported cases.  

Furthermore, DOH urges the individuals who exposed themselves to the virus to conduct self-quarantine even if symptoms still do not appear. It is for those who have a travel history of the areas affected by the disease. One should isolate themselves for 14 days. The authorities reported that President Duterte had undertaken COVID-19 testing. Sen. Christopher Go clarified that they are not doing this because of respiratory symptoms but to ensure the public that they are fit to perform their respective duties. Although there is no confirmation of the result, the Health Department will prioritize him since he had met with many individuals who may have contact with COVID-19 patients from recent days.

Today marks the 2nd day of the quarantine. Kuwait has a total number of 100 COVID-19 cases, while the Philippines has 64 cases. The citizens in both countries continue to cooperate with their respective authorities. I want to thank the efforts of the government in urging the citizens to work with them. Uniting towards one goal is vital as the government and its citizens cooperate to stop this pandemic completely.  

“Kaya kong harapin ang kahit anong kalagayan sa pamamagitan ng tulong ni Cristo na nagpapatatag sa akin.”

Filipos 4:13

The Primary Purpose of my COVID-19 Diaries

CORONAVIRUS: Kuwait OFW Quarantine Diaries – TABLE OF CONTENTS

CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #01 – The Significance of Immediate Action

My Trusted Page of References for COVID-19 Diaries

CORONAVIRUS: Kuwait OFW Quarantine Diaries – TABLE OF CONTENTS

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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