Kuwait shuts down kids’ activities to combat virus

CAIRO: The Kuwaiti cabinet decided on Monday to close down all activities for children, including summer clubs, from July 25 until further notice, as a precautionary measure to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Ater a briefing by the health minister, the cabinet also ordered the ministry of defence and the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) to put their hospitals at the service of the country’s healthcare system, according to a cabinet statement.

Kuwait on Monday reported 1,770 COVID-19 infections, and 19 deaths, bringing the total of infections to 37,7364 and deaths to 2,136.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Saudi Arabia will send a medical aid package to Tunisia that includes one million doses of vaccine to help the North Africa country control the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saudi Arabia joins other Arab countries in helping Tunisia, which is facing the collapse of its health care system, including Egypt, Algeria, UAE, Kuwait, Turkey and Qatar.

The Saudi Press Agency said on Monday the aid also includes 190 respirators and other equipment.

“We are in a catastrophic situation ... the health system has collapsed, we can only find a bed in hospitals with great difficulty,” said health ministry spokesperson Nisaf Ben Alaya.

Intensive care units are full and there is a severe shortage of oxygen, officials said.

The latest aid brings to 2 million vaccine doses donated to Tunisia, where vaccinations lag far behind other countries. So far, only 730,000 people have been fully vaccinated out of a total of 11.6 million residents.

Tunisia recorded 106 deaths on Monday and reported 4,300 new coronavirus cases.

The total number of coronavirus cases so far in the country has climbed to more than 500,000, with about 16,500 deaths.

Also during the day, Saudi Arabia has issued the first smart Hajj card for the current Hajj season, which is linked to all the services such as entering the camps, using transportation, entering hotels, and paying through ATMS.

It also helps guide lost pilgrims, controlling entry to the camps and timing of grouping and transportation.

This came during an inspection visit to the holy sites on Monday to check on the readiness of the facilities to receive pilgrims in presence of the Governor of Makkah Al Mukarramah Region and Chairman of the Central Hajj Commitee, Prince Khaled Al Faisal.

The card will serve pilgrims throughout their journey.