PM hopes vaccination rate hits 70% by September-end

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KUWAIT CITY, Aug 12: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on Thursday said that by end of September 2021, Kuwait’s COVID-19 vaccination rate is expected to reach 70 percent. “Some 2.6 million (66 percent) of the population is vaccinated and by the end of September we will reach 70 per cent, and this would help quicken herd immunity, and eventually, returning to normal life.” This came during an open dialogue with KU 2020-21 honor students at Sabah Al-Salem University City earlier today. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health announced that more than 2.5 million citizens and residents of Kuwait were vaccinated. Kuwait’s Cabinet on Wednesday warned the public against complacency when it comes to compliance with COVID- 19 health measures as ministers said they were satisfied with the latest drop in cases, deaths and hospitalisations.

This came as Health Minister Dr. Basel Al-Sabah briefed ministers on developments regarding the virus as the country prepares for a gradual, safe post-pandemic transition, ministers said during a session at Sief Palace. The minister said that the COVID-19 recovery-to-infection ratio has risen to 97.3 per cent as the nationwide vaccination campaign continues to witness a huge turnout of nationals and expatriates alike at centres across the country. On this, the ministers expressed their appreciation and gratitude for the public’s commitment to health measures and the efforts of frontliners in responding to the pandemic. The Education Ministry’s plans for the upcoming 2021-22 academic year for both public and private schools across the country were also discussed. Education Minister Dr. Ali Al-Mudhaf briefed the Cabinet on the ministry’s coordination with the Health Ministry and the precautionary measures in place as pupils prepare for a return to face-to-face learning.

The Cabinet expressed deep concerns about the dangerous consequences of the threats to security and safety of maritime navigation in the waters leading to the Arabian Gulf and waters surrounding the Sea of Oman and the Sea of Arabia. The Cabinet, in a meeting held at Seif Palace under the chairmanship of the His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled, also voiced backing to the presidential statement issued by the UN Security Council on August 9 on the importance of ensuring maritime safety and safeguarding oceans’ legitimate use, according to a statement read out following the meeting by Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah. It noted the UNSC statement has outlined the international references and laws related to the protection of the maritime routes, which are lifelines for the global economy. The Cabinet reiterated Kuwait’s call for all parties to adhere to relevant international conventions and treaties, mainly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2000 United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, (KUNA).

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