KUWAIT CITY — Following Saudi Arabia's lead, Kuwait has also suspended the entry of non-citizens into the country amid the resurgence of coronavirus, the Kuwait News Agency reported. The move, which will be effective from Sunday (Feb. 7), is part of new measures taken by the Kuwaiti Cabinet in an extraordinary session on Wednesday to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the country. However, foreigners, who are first degree relatives of Kuwaitis and travel companions of domestic and other workers, are excluded from the ban. After an extraordinary meeting, chaired by Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh said the Cabinet ordered the closure of all commercial facilities, except for pharmacies, medical and food supplying outlets, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. every day and for one month starting from Feb. 7 (Sunday). Al-Saleh also noted that the Cabinet ordered a full shutdown of all health clubs, resorts, beauty salons, and hairdressing centers. It also ordered the closure of all restaurant reception halls from 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. and allowed home-delivery services during the closure time. The Cabinet also banned the opening of wedding halls and tents and all gatherings even for national day celebrations. Al-Saleh noted that all sports federations are asked to suspend all formal and friendly sports activities. The Cabinet also imposed a one-week institutional quarantine on all arrivals at their expenses and another week quarantine at home, as of Feb. 21 and for one month. It also instructed the Civil Service Commission to set a number of penalties on civil servants who do not abide by coronavirus preventive measures. The cabinet called on all nationals and residents to comply with preventive health measures and guidelines. Al-Saleh pointed out that these measures were taken to achieve the desired goals for the interests of the society and individuals and urged all people to work as a team to eradicate the COVID-19 pandemic.
