Garages see huge rush

KUWAIT CITY, March 7: Automobile workshops in Shuwaikh Industrial Area witnessed a huge number of motorists who were keen to repair their vehicles prior to the start of the partial curfew from Sunday, reports Al-Anba daily. There was congestion in garages, auto shops and car wash stations, as well as car decoration shops which attracted a large number of customers, especially the youth. Despite being a weekend, many shops were open to receive customers who wanted to repair their vehicles or buy spare parts. The number of motorists who repaired their cars complained about the high prices, indicating that some shops took advantage of the current situation and the advent of the curfew to raise the prices.

Imposing
Regarding the imposing of a partial curfew, the opinions of motorists differed. Some consider the decision as positive, and part of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, while others saw it as an exaggerated and ill-considered decision, and called on the government to reconsider it.

The Directorate General of Public Relations and Security Media Department of the Interior Ministry stated within the framework of implementing decisions issued by the Council of Ministers to confront the spread of the new Corona virus, a decision has been taken to amend the entry timings for Kuwaitis, their first-degree relatives, their companions of domestic workers into the country through the land ports which has now been set at 9:00 am until 3:00 pm, reports Al-Qabas daily.

The ministry pointed out it is mandatory for all to produce the PCR certificate at the point of entry in line with the health requirements. This is in addition to adhering to all health requirements, including social distancing and wearing gloves and face masks.

The security sources stressed no one will be permitted to enter the country beyond the specified times. The Kuwait Municipality, in cooperation with the ministries of Commerce and Interior represented by the Technical Inspection Department, toured the Shuwaikh Industrial Area and placed 350 stickers on the vehicles some of which neglected and others parked for long time on government property, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

The inspector of hygiene in the Capital branch of the Kuwait Municipality, Salah Al-Farhan, indicated that all cars ‘parked’ outside the garages and shops, in addition to the cars let in the public squares, will be lifted. He added, there is a comprehensive campaign to lift these cars, even if they are old or new. He also said the Municipal authorities have issued 26 citations against the shops, for violating the hygiene rules and exploiting state property. The ministries of Commerce and Interior also toured the shops that install special exhausts, particularly in sports cars that generate irritating noises and sounds.