Kuwait: Over 21,000 COVID-19 cases confirmed in country as of May 24 /update 18

Event

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced on Sunday, May 24, that 21,302 cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been confirmed in the country, including 156 associated deaths. Health authorities further stated that 6117 people have so far recovered from the virus, leaving 15,029 active cases nationwide.

On Tuesday, May 19, Kuwaiti authorities announced plans for the deportation of foreign workers who violate ongoing COVID-19 measures. This comes following media reports on Friday, May 15, that 250 Bangladeshis had been deported for violating lockdown regulations during the month of April. At least 175 shops were closed in April as well on similar grounds. The announcement also covered mechanisms to evacuate foreign workers still in Kuwait, as well as the promotion of a campaign to halt the arrival of additional workers from abroad.

Authorities announced a 20-day total curfew on Friday, May 8. The curfew began at 16:00 (local time) on Sunday, May 10, and will remain in place through Saturday, May 30. All private sector activity is suspended with the exception of essential services. Residents are permitted to leave their homes from 16:30 to 18:30 and are obliged to respect social distancing measures, wear masks, and are barred from using any means of transportation. The lockdown was announced following a spike in COVID-19 cases nationwide.

Separately, expatriates whose residency cards have expired between Sunday, March 1, and Sunday, May 31, will be given three-month extensions. The extensions exclusively apply to those present in Kuwait.

Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.