publish time

10/01/2022

author name Arab Times

publish time

10/01/2022

KUWAIT CITY , Jan 10: Kuwait's cabinet on Monday ordered state bodies to slash staff attendance down to 50 percent in response to an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases in the country, driven by the Omicron variant. Private employers have been told to limit their staff capacity in a manner that would still allow for a smooth workflow, the government's communication center cited spokesman Tareq Al-Mezrem as saying.

In measures to halt the spread of the virus, in effect as of Wednesday, he said conferences and meetings would shift back to video link, while public transport capacity should not exceed 50 percent. Similarly, sporting venues nationwide, in addition to gyms and salons, would only allow entry to those who have been fully vaccinated, added the spokesman. Kuwait has seen a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases since the Omicron variant took hold

Main points

  • The number of workers in government workplaces shall be determined and not to exceed 50%, each government entity shall determine the appropriate percentage and it that shall not exceed these limits, and the decision shall be effective from Wednesday 12/1/2022 until further notice and assigning the Civil Service Bureau to implement the decision.
  • Private sector should reduce number of workers in workplace to minimum as possible to conduct business
  • Staff in Nurseries and Children's clubs should be fully vaccinated and adhere to health requirements
  • Holding of internal meetings, conferences and courses should be done virtually (online), as of Wednesday, 12/1/2022 until further notice.
  • Mass public transport should operate with 50% of passengers and adhere to health measures  starting from Wednesday, 12/1/2022, until further notice.
  • Activities of sports authority for those who have completed vaccination doses and adhere to health requirements.
  • Workers and visitors to beauty salons, barber shops and health clubs should be fully vaccinated
  • Appointments to Govt offices (ministries) should be done using online app for bookings/appointments
  • Quarantine procedures to be monitored on Shlonak app
  • Vaccination up till 5 yr old coming soon
  • No decision on curfews