COVID-19 hits hard local bourse, commercial ventures

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Will citizens be compensated?

KUWAIT CITY, March 4: With the growing number of COVID-19 infection cases in the country, which stood at 56 on Tuesday, many commercial ventures such as restaurants, airways and café joints have suffered a recession, which is hitting hard on the bourse index as well, in what is considered a natural disaster, reports Al-Qabas daily.

The country has been witness to natural disasters in which citizens received compensation. Therefore, the question here is: how will citizens be compensated whether or not coronavirus is considered a natural disaster? The daily quoting a government source affirmed that concerned authorities have yet to take any decision on compensating victims who are economically affected by the brunt of coronavirus, and if the disease is ruled as a natural disaster, they should consider compensating the victims.

The source explained that government’s instructions to all ministers is intended for protecting citizens and expatriates from potential hike in prices or monopoly or even exploiting coronavirus for personal gain. However, no instructions or measures are in place to compensate those commercially affected by the situation until now.

In this context, Constitutional expert Dr Mohammad Al-Filly affirmed that the constitution protects society amid solidarity in dealing with disasters and plight but it doesn’t stipulate compensation for victims, and in case of pandemic, legislators should define compensation

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