MASHHAD ARRIVALS TESTED Kuwait confirms 3 coronavirus cases
‘Ban imposed on Iranian fish’
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 24, (KUNA): The Ministry of Health (MoH) announced Monday that preliminary tests conducted for passengers coming from the Iranian city of Mashhad resulted in three confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kuwait.
A MoH statement read that the first case was for a 53-year-old Kuwaiti citizen, and the second for a 61-year-old Saudi citizen, with both at a “normal” condition, showing no signs of the virus.
The third case, according to the statement, is for a 21-year-old man with initial symptoms, as all three cases are under constant observation by the medical staff.
Concerned authorities in the country and MoH took necessary precautionary measures in accordance with scientific and standard recommendations and guidelines accepted by the World Health Organization, carrying out surveys to detect COVID-19 using itemized reagents, the ministry added.
National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim on Monday called on the government to take “full precautionary measures” against coronavirus (COVIC-19).
Al-Ghanim said in a statement that he had contacted Minister of Health Sheikh Dr Bassel Al-Sabah who advised him that MPs desiring to examine measures that have been taken by the ministry could show up at the department headquarters at 5:00 pm Monday for this purpose.
MoH personnel have prepared a visual presentation showing details of the precautions that have been taken, said Al-Ghanim who thanked all ministry staff who cut short their vacations and resumed work in the face of the virus.
The Ministry of Education affirmed on Monday that all necessary measures and precautions had been taken against COVID-19 – in coordination with the Ministry of Health.
The ministry declared a campaign to educate students and teachers about means to withstand infection with the virus after end of the national holidays and resumption of classes.
All schools and colleges have been advised to enforce standard procedures in case of discovering a case. It also advised nationals and citizens to ignore rumors and depend on official sources about coronavirus.
The local fish market flourished, following the ban issued by the Public Ports Authority on Iranian fishing boats entering Kuwaiti waters in the aftermath of coronavirus cases being detected in Iran, reports Al-Rai daily.
The president of the Fishermen’s Union, Zahir Al-Suwaiyan told the daily the improved weather and spring break have created favorable conditions for local fishing and the auction at the market saw prices affordable by all.
He pointed out the decision of the authority has contributed to the withdrawal of Iranian fish from the market and giving the opportunity for the local fish to prove its worth amid a remarkable demand from consumers.
Oman’s General Authority of Civil Aviation on Monday suspended all flights between the Sultanate and Iran, starting today, due to COVID-19.
The suspension comes due to the recent developments of the epidemiological situation of the COVID-19, The Authority noted in a statement carried by Oman News Agency.
Earlier Monday, Omani Ministry of Health announced that there are two confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in the country, noting that the two cases are of two Omani female citizens, who have returned home from Iran.
The United Arab of Emirates (UAE) decided on Monday to prevent it citizens from traveling to Iran and Thailand until further notice.
UAE’s Foreign Ministry and International Cooperation said in a press statement that this comes in light of the efforts to confront the spread of the COVID-19.
The ministry called on citizens in these countries to communicate with the embassy.
Turkish Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca announced Sunday that his country will shut down border with Iran as of today due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“Based on the international health regulation, the road and rail transits from Iran to Turkey were temporarily halted as of 5:00 pm
local time (14:00 GMT) on Sunday,” Koca said in a news conference. He added that Turkey has also temporarily halted all international arrival flights from Iran unilaterally as of 8:00 pm local time (17:00 GMT). At least eight Iranian citizens were not allowed to enter Turkey on Saturday and Friday for the same reason, Koca noted. According to Iran’s Health Ministry, the death toll from coronavirus in Iran has risen to eight, and over 40 cases were confirmed.