2 Local Wednesday, June 3, 2020

In My View govt urges public to abide by Our precious treasure health instructions throughout transition

Health authorities monitoring situation in areas under lockdown By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s government Monday urged the public to abide by preventive health instructions in In My View order to bring about success to a plan aimed at grad- [email protected] ually restoring normal life through five phases. The government, in its weekly meeting chaired by His High- Return of aviation ness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- y daughter-in-law took her child out for a Hamad Al-Sabah, urged the public to be socially walk, but once they were a few meters out, responsible in order to move to the second phase of Mhe stopped her, telling her that we should re- the transition to normal life. The government approved, turn to the building yard because there is corona out last Thursday, a five-phase plan aimed at easing re- on the street! The child must have been told something strictions that were imposed due to the spread of about this virus and that we should not go out to avoid By Khalaf Al-Mane coronavirus. Every phase lasts for three weeks, and the illness. For a child of this age to keep in mind such health authorities will assess every phase before de- an idea about this danger prompts us to be very careful ciding to move to the next, providing compliance by when dealing with our children, no matter their age. the public. It is true that it is the nature of children to be more The cabinet “urges everybody to cooperate and KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh active as they are full of energy, but the current circum- abide by the health instructions for the best interest of Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah chairs the stances impose certain measures, most obviously being the individual and community, and to work as one team cabinet’s meeting. — KUNA home indoors for long hours, so we have to deal with to confront this pandemic and defeat it,” Deputy Pre- our true treasures - our children - in a way to keep them happy and comfortable as much as possible. nternational airlines incurred around $320 mier and Interior Minister Anas Al-Saleh said in a statement. The cabinet members discussed develop- pandemic remains able to spread. Failure to abide by The role of the guardian is enjoyable, but it is not billion in losses by April, while Arab airlines ments of the virus and efforts to confront it, said Saleh, the instructions will take us back to previous phases. easy, as we always have to polish the unlimited love by lost $28 billion by the end of February due to I also Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs. The cabinet, We should not exhaust the health authorities and to learning to raise the educational level in order to prac- the suspension of commercial flights because of he added, decided to establish an entity with a man- maintain the health system in the State of Kuwait in tice our role perfectly with the most precious of what the coronavirus outbreak. It is expected airlines date of following up and implementing the health au- order to preserve public health,” said Mezrem. we own. The world health situation has imposed an will take four to six years to recover from the thorities’ instructions throughout the five phases. It open break for children that altered their daily routine, losses, if a vaccine is found for the virus. assigned the Central Agency for Information Technol- Minister’s grilling causing most of them to get bored and even angry. The return of aviation is considered one as- ogy (CAIT) to establish a platform to be used by the The cabinet members, meanwhile, extended sup- In order to face any negative effects or behavior pect of returning to normal life, particularly if we public to obtain appointments to finish their papers at port for Minister of Education and Minister of Higher while directing them towards the positive side, we must realize that International airlines are a main con- government departments. Saleh said the government Education Dr Saud Al-Harbi in the face of an interpel- adopt some strategies that are simple. We must inform tributor to the global economy as they transport assigned Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and af- lation submitted by MP Faisal Al-Kandari. Kuwait’s the child about the current situation and explain the one-third of trade by air. filiate companies to build and equip medical wards in National Assembly will resume regular sessions on logic and necessity of the health quarantine, while The aviation sector is going through vast halls five, six and eight at the International Fairs June 16 to discuss government’s measures against being cautious not to exaggerate matters to avoid chaos due to major losses because of the Ground in Mishref Area. coronavirus as well as a grilling motion against Minis- scaring them. grounding of aircraft fleets in an unprecedented ter Dr Harbi, the Speaker said. Marzouq Al-Ghanem Their precautionary health practices such as wash- phenomenon not witnessed in history before. Areas under lockdown made the remarks in a press statement after a meeting ing hands and using sanitizers should be turned into an Airlines are working on how to manage the fi- Health authorities in Kuwait are monitoring the situ- of the Parliament’s Bureau Monday, where members of achievement that they should be rewarded for. It is very nancial crisis without a source of revenue, in ad- ation in areas under lockdown and lifting the restrictions the bureau decided to resume sessions on Tuesday, important not to express any feelings of fear or disap- dition to controlling liquidity to meet on these areas depend on levels of infections and June 16. He said chairmen of the house committees pointment in front of the child. Children need love at all commitments for employees’ salaries as well as spread of coronavirus, government spokesman said were called to resume their meeting this week in order times and should be listened to, and we should be to finalize all reports that would be submitted to the pleasant while dealing with them. This in turn strength- suppliers. Monday. “The health authorities are working on con- trolling the spread of the pandemic in areas under lock- next session, as well as making sure health measures ens their psychological immunity and keeps memories Airlines and airports are currently getting down to bring the infections to acceptable levels,” Tareq were properly implemented. almost forever. ready to implement procedures required by au- Al-Mezrem told an online press conference following “The current term will be extended to compensate The tricky part at this point is for us to be keen to thorities to safeguard flight safety as a prelude the cabinet meeting. Ending the lockdown, he added, suspension of sessions,” said Ghanem. The first thing reduce and rationalize the role of video games in our to resuming the operation of commercial flights depends on the “level of spread of the pandemic, rate on the agenda of the first sessions, he added, would be children’s lives. School age children used to follow a gradually, coinciding with some countries’ of infections, intensity and hotspots of the virus.” a report about the government’s preparations and certain daily routine, so we need to set some rules to preparations to resume organized tourism with Mezrem was also asked about operation of Kuwait measures against COVID-19. The interpellation against be followed at all times, and this routine should be or- very strict conditions to guarantee the health and International Airport, and said the “return of the airport Dr Harbi, he said, would be next unless the parliament ganized. A simple enjoyable daily routine will have a safety of tourists. Among the notable countries for operation will be part of the phases,” and it de- decided otherwise. MP Faisal Al-Kandari submitted the major positive effect. It will not hurt to give children that are promoting tourism products are Spain pended on approval of the health authorities and bless- interpellation request on Sunday, charging Dr Harbi’s some free time to let go of their active energy; also, let and Greece, by starting to advertise the touristic ing of the government. Mezrem urged the public to alleged mismanagement of the educational process them show their creativity and innovation in drawing, agenda, so are we going to do likewise? comply with health instructions, including physical dis- throughout the coronavirus crisis, which he claims has for example. tancing. “We have not returned to normal life and the “caused severe harm on students.” — KUNA It can be helpful to prepare a weekly plan for achievements the child decides to make, leaving the child to prepare a list of achievements he wishes to complete in a week to reduce boredom. These can be Sibi George appointed new Indian Ambassador reading stories, certain sports skills and so on. The child should be encouraged to decorate and color his scheduled plan and place it in his room. The child will By Sajeev K Peter George as ’s new ambassador to the Commission in . He also has served be happy and excited when he refers to the schedule country, who will be submitting his creden- various Indian missions in , , in the evening and mark the achievement of his daily KUWAIT: Sibi George, presently Ambassa- tials on his arrival in Kuwait, sources said. , and Washington DC in vari- mission. dor of India to Switzerland, has been ap- George, who succeeds Jeeva Sagar as India’s ous capacities prior to his appointment in Having said that, there should not be a problem in pointed as the next Ambassador of India to ambassador, is expected to take charge from Switzerland. breaking the routine sometimes! Please be extremely patient and take good care of your children and do the State of Kuwait. He is expected to take up August 1, 2020. George, who hails from Kottayam district your best to keep them happy and comfortable with the assignment shortly, a press release issued George, a 1993 batch Indian Foreign Serv- in the Indian state of , belongs to Podi- discipline. by India’s Ministry of External affairs said ice (IFS) officer, has been India’s Ambassador mattam family of Pala. A gold medalist both Final word: “The most precious jewels you’ll have yesterday. to Switzerland since 2017. He was first ap- for his graduation and post-graduation, around your neck are the arms of your children.” — Anon The Kuwait government has approved pointed as political officer at Indian High George is well-versed in language. Sibi George

Coronavirus in Kuwait: What we know so far

KUWAIT: Kuwait has recorded 27,762 cases infected during the curfew hours by making an appointment the public. Jaber Hospital: 96992079 with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as of Monday, through www.moci.shop. Before that, Kuwait enforced Kuwait suspended issuing entry permits and visas Ibn Sina Hospital: 99613948 in addition to 220 deaths. With the exception of 204 a country-wide partial curfew from 5:00 pm to 6:00 unless those issued through diplomatic missions. The Chest Hospital: 99258749 cases in intensive care, all infected cases are in stable am, which was later extended to start from 4:00 pm Interior Ministry issued an amnesty allowing residency Razi Hospital: 97633487 condition and are recovering in quarantined locations until 8:00 am during Ramadan, while allowing restau- violators to leave the country between April 1 and April Kuwait Cancer Control Center: 96735242 designated by the government for this purpose, while rants and food stores to make home deliveries from 30 without paying any fines or airfare with a chance to Psychiatric Hospital: 97350113 thousands have been discharged from quarantine after 5:00 pm until 1:00 am. The government also locked return to Kuwait later. The amnesty was issued in view Physiotherapy Hospital: 99824037 exhibiting no symptoms during their 14-day quarantine down Mahboula and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh in a bid to of the circumstances the country is currently going Maternity Hospital: 98559531 period, the Ministry of Health confirmed. Meanwhile, contain the spread of the virus and enable health work- through and as part of the precautionary measures As’ad Al-Hamad Dermatology Center: 98514508 14,281 people have recovered completely after previ- ers to test inhabitants. Earlier, the government decided taken to fight the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Dur- Zain Hospital: 97552031 ously being infected with the virus, while there are to close all shopping malls, beauty salons and barber ing the amnesty period, individuals desiring to procure NBK Hospital: 96931761 13,261 people receiving treatment and 23 quarantined. shops as part of its measures to prevent the spread of valid residencies in Kuwait and were willing to pay the Al-Rashed Allergy Hospital: 94162470 the coronavirus. The government also allowed super- fines without being subjected to investigations were al- Infectious Diseases Hospital: 96989164 Curfew markets, restaurants and shops to host a maximum of lowed to pay the fines and legalize their status if they Palliative Care Hospital: 94024786 Kuwait imposed a three-week partial curfew start- five people at a time and in case there are lines, the dis- meet the required conditions. Sabah Al-Ahmad Urology Center: 90952469 ing May 31, as part of a five-phase plan for a gradual tance must be at least one meter between people. The KFH Addiction Treatment Center: 94169363 return to normal life, brought to a standstill by the novel Ministry of Commerce launched a website Hotlines Meanwhile, all licensed pharmacies in Kuwait deliv- coronavirus (COVID-19). The first phase also includes (www.moci.shop) to enable people to book appoint- The Ministry of Health has set the following hotlines ering medicine are allowed to continue their services a total lockdown on Farwaniya, Khaitan, Hawally and ments to shop at co-operative societies in their areas. to receive inquiries about the coronavirus 24/7: 24 hours a day. The Ministry of Health is also asking Maidan Hawally, joining Mahboula and Jleeb Al-Shuy- The Public Authority for Industry also announced that 24970967 - 96049698 - 99048619. doctors and nurses affiliated with the private medical oukh which were put under lockdown earlier. companies can apply to evacuate their workers from The Education Ministry set the following hotlines to sector to volunteer in order to contribute to the fight Activities to resume in first phase included home Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Mahboula. To do so, they must receive inquiries on school closures related to the anti- against the virus. Volunteering is available through the deliveries of restaurants, telecommunication compa- fill a ‘workers evacuation form’ available on coronavirus measures: link: http://volunteering.q8-ehealth.com. The ministry nies, food retailers, companies’ transportation of em- www.pai.gov.kw, and send the form via email to: - 24970967 (24/7 hotline) had closed all private clinics and medical centers effec- ployees, gas stations, private clinics and car workshops. [email protected]. - 51575591 (Capital Educational Zone) tive March 22, 2020 until further notice. The second phase will see the curfew shortened to be - 51576117 (Hawally Educational Zone) between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am, while resuming work Precautions - 51576576 (Farwaniya Educational Zone) Mental health assistance in the government and private sectors with the work- Kuwait halted all commercial flights until further no- - 51577055 (Jahra Educational Zone) The Kuwait Psychological Association (KPA) is pro- force being less than 30 percent, in addition to resump- tice, and has sent special flights to repatriate Kuwaitis - 51577655 (Ahmadi Educational Zone) viding consultation through the phone for people suf- tion of constructions, banking sector, malls opening for back home from countries affected with the virus’ - 51577951 (Mubarak Al-Kabeer Educational Zone) fering from the psychological impacts of coronavirus. eight hours and according to special instructions, parks spread. Kuwait took all measures to test Kuwaitis repa- - 51578171 (Religious Studies Department) Different doctors are working on the hotline in different and pickups from restaurants. triated from infected areas for potential infection. - 51588599 (Private Education Department) timings as follows: The third phase would see an end of curfew, and Kuwait had required all expatriates who arrived from - 51592515 (Services Department) Dr Rashed Al-Sahl: on Monday and Wednesday 10:00 health authorities would be assessing situation of areas travel on March 1 and beyond to visit Kuwait Interna- - 51594544 (Public Relations Department) am - 1:00 pm. Call 9797-6168. under lockdown. It would see increase of workforce to tional Fairground where the Ministry of Health has set Dr Fahad Al-Tasha: daily from 8:00 pm - 12:00 am. Call less than 50 percent. Visits for social care homes would up a center to test people for possible infection. Mean- Medicine delivery 9904-8258. be allowed, reopening of hotels, resorts and hotel while, the Cabinet announced on April 9 the operation Kuwait’s Ministry of Health (MOH) launched a new Dr Othman Al-Asfour: daily 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Call apartments. Taxis will be allowed to operate with only of all airline flights for expats who are wishing to return medicine delivery service for people in Kuwait, which 9938-5350. one passenger, and Mosques would be allowed to per- back to their countries. Authorities also announced a they can use to order medications to be delivered dur- Dr Mohammed Al-Khaldi (head of this team): daily form Friday prayers. public holiday in the country from March 12 to May 28, ing curfew hours. The medications will be delivered 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Call 9903-6470. within 72 hours after the order is submitted. To place an Phase four would see an increase in workforce, with work resuming on May 31, while entities providing Dr Ahmad Al-Khaldi: daily 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Call restaurants would be receiving customers but with re- vital services will remain open. Meanwhile, the Ministry order, patients should send a WhatsApp to the numbers 9910-7965. strictions, and public transportation resumed but with of Education has suspended classes for March at all for the hospitals and medical centers as listed below. Dr Muneera Al-Qattan: Monday and Wednesday 9:00 distancing. All activities would resume in phase five, public and private schools (for both students and The patient should include their name, Civil ID number, am - 1:00 pm. Call 9953-3108. government and private sector returned to normal, teaching staffs); first from March 1 to March 12, and hospital or clinic file number, mobile phone number and families could gather, weddings and graduation cere- later extended it until March 29, before eventually sus- the medicine needed to the following numbers: Dr Zainab Al-Saffar: Sunday and Thursday 7:00 pm - monies, health clubs and gyms to reopen, as well as cin- pending schools until August for grade 12 and October Amiri Hospital: 50880699 9:00 pm. Call 9954-9908. emas and theaters. for other stages. State departments have been on high Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital: 50880755 Dr Sameera Al-Kandari: Tuesday 9:00 pm - 12:00 am. Earlier, Kuwait imposed a total curfew from May 10 alert to take precautions against the potential spread Farwaniya Hospital: 50880852 Call 6770-9434. to May 30, allowing room for people to walk out for of the virus. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry Adan Hospital: 50880908 Dr Kawthar Al-Yaqout: Monday and Wednesday 6:00 daily exercise between 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, and to has taken measures to make sure that facial masks, Jahra Hospital: 50881066 pm - 9:00 pm. Call 5521-0088. shop at co-ops and supermarkets once every six days hand sanitizers and other goods remain accessible to Sabah Hospital: 97632660 For information and other concerns, call 9401-4283.