The COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first confirmed case in Kuwait was announced on 24 February 2020. As of 4 September, there are 88,243 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 79,417 recoveries and 537 deaths.
Kuwait ended the full curfew on 30 May and started taking steps towards a gradual return to normal life by placing partial curfew from 6 pm until 6 am.This step is a first of five with each phase tentatively lasting for 3 weeks which could vary depending on the assessment by the Ministry of Health.Initially, the country started with a voluntary stay at home approach since midnight of 11 March, with the government suspending work across all government sectors except emergency services. All commercial air travel and border travel were suspended since midnight of 14 March 2020 (start of 15 March). Partial curfew was implemented since 22 March 2020 where curfew hours were between 5 pm until 4 am.This was amended on 6 April, where end of curfew hours were extended from 4 am to 6 am.
On 11 March, Kuwaiti Directorate General of Civil Aviation has suspended all travel, except cargo flights, to and from Kuwait starting from 13 March, effectively locking down the nation until further notice.On 12 March, Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced 8 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 80.On 13 March, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced 20 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 100. The Public Authority Of Agriculture Affairs And Fish Resources closed public parks, and the ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs announced just before noon prayers for Muslims to pray from home and not to attend Friday prayers during a pandemic.
All commercial flights were suspended on 13 March, with an exception for cargo flights. A public holiday was declared from 12 to 26 March, with work to resume on 29 March. Some shops were closed, and restrictions were placed on restaurants.Authorities asked people to stay home for Friday prayers, saying “The doors of the mosques will stay closed” and citing a fatwa allowing people not to attend prayers in mosques. Classes were suspended from 1 to 12 March, which was extended to 29 March,and later to 4 August.Visas were partially suspended, and quarantines required for all arrivals from certain high-risk countries. Arrivals at Kuwait International Airport from other countries were required to self-quarantine for 14 days.The borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia were closed.
The strategic planning and surplus for food and supplies are for six months. All supermarkets and grocery stores have all usual products as before the border closure or the imposed partial curfew.However, small businesses are the most affected since they are losing a lot of money, and yet, have to pay rent or salaries to their workers. The government have promised packages and solutions to ensure these businesses are compensated for these unfortunate circumstances with the partial lockdown.
The partial lockdown, staying at home and physical distancing has led to theaters, malls, department stores, and entertainment venues to be closed. Gyms and restaurants are also closed due to the coronavirus.Due to raising cases and to help curb the spread of the pandemic coronavirus Kuwait has total full-time curfew from 4 p.m. on Sunday 10 May 2020 till 30 May 2020 . Above all of that, the ministry has provided people with websites link to book an appointment so they can go out to supermarket buy their needs or for the hospital. At least 105 medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other professions, were infected with the virus as of 27 April 2020.
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