‘Strictly-enforced safety measures aim at protecting, saving everyone’
Health minister hails Amir’s confidence in him to fight virus
KUWAIT CITY, April 4: Minister of Health Sheikh Dr Bassel Al-Sabah indicates that isolating areas where new cases of coronavirus infection had appeared is possible in light of the increase in the number of cases. If the decision to isolate these areas is issued, authorities will not allow entry to and exit from these areas, reports Al-Anba daily.
He said Ministry of Health has made full use of its capabilities for preparing equipment and health staff to confront the virus, affirming that the situation is under control as of now.
The minister reiterated his appeal to citizens and expatriates to stay in their homes and not go out unless it is absolutely necessary.
He disclosed that coordination is underway with Ministry of Foreign Affairs to evacuate the second batch of citizens from abroad, indicating an increase in the number of health quarantines to accommodate the largest number of citizens who will be evacuated.
Sheikh Dr Bassel Al-Sabah made it clear that the precautionary measures that are being strictly enforced are aimed at protecting and saving everyone to return to normal life, God willing, and eradicate the virus.
Treatment
Regarding the discovery of a treatment for the coronavirus infection, the minister affirmed that medical teams have been formed by Ministry of Health to hold daily meetings for following up the latest developments in this field in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO).
About the rapid detection devices for coronavirus announced in the United States of America, he insisted that Ministry of Health spared no effort in providing everything important for the detection of coronavirus.
The minister expressed appreciation for His Highness the Amir’s confidence in him to confront the coronavirus pandemic, saying, “I will not betray the good confidence of His Highness the Amir, and we will fight the virus with all our strength”.
He praised His Highness the Amir’s unlimited support in this crisis and assured to harness all the capabilities to confront the virus.
Sheikh Dr Bassel Al-Sabah highlighted that the whole world is faced with the coronavirus pandemic “but Kuwait, praise be to God, has been able to take appropriate decisions to limit its spread with the cooperation among all government agencies”.
He expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to all ministers and lawmakers for their cooperation and confidence in Ministry of Health, and praised the efforts of all frontline workers in Ministry of Health, saying, “We are proud of the work, effort and sacrifices they make to counter the virus.”
Recovering
The minister stressed that, “Despite the presence of corona
virus cases, the number of cases recovering is increasing, thanks to God. This is a sign of hope in the stage of fighting the virus”.
He highlighted that the new penalties against violators of the Communicable Diseases Act are strict, and will deter anyone trying to tamper with “health security”, adding that the punishment has been increased to ten-year imprisonment and fine of KD 30,000
for those who know they have the contagious disease and cause transmission of the infection.
He stressed the lack of complacency in things like this, saying “Public health is a red line”.
Regarding the suggestion to impose total ban instead of partial ban, the minister said it is related to “public’s commitment to stay at home” and increase in the number of cases “due to which
going to that extent is likelihood.”
He sent a message to those who are trying to violate the institutional and house quarantine by saying, “Fear God... Do not spread the disease among your loved ones and your fellow citizens and expatriates. Everybody should note that strict procedures are being taken with the violators”.