KUWAIT CITY, Feb 4: In line with the statement of the Health Ministry that gatherings like weddings and other types of parties contributed to the increase in the number of people infected with COVID-19 for the first time since November last year, Kuwait Municipality spokesperson Muhammad Al-Mutairi unveiled a plan to intensify the inspection of wedding halls and removal of tents in front of houses in compliance with the directives of health authorities, reports Al-Jarida daily.

Speaking to the daily, Al-Mutairi confirmed that the teams assigned in various governorates have been instructed to closely monitor such types of activities based on the instructions of the ministerial committee tasked to implement health regulations. He explained this step was taken after noticing the increasing number of coronavirus cases due to gatherings in weddings and other parties. He then stressed the need to adhere to the instructions of the committee, particularly stopping gatherings to ensure the safety of everyone.

Earlier, the Kuwaiti government on Wednesday imposed a series of restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus after a new rise in the number of infections and related hospitalizations.

After an extraordinary meeting, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh said the cabinet ordered closure of all commercial facilities, except for pharmacies, medical and food supplying outlets, from 8 pm to 5 am every day and for one month starting from Sunday, February 7.

The cabinet also imposed a twoweek ban on entry of non-Kuwaitis to the country as of February 7. Only foreigners who are first degree relatives of Kuwaitis and their travel companions of domestic and other workers are excluded from the ban, he clarified. Al-Saleh also noted that the cabinet ordered full shutdown of all health clubs, resorts, beauty salons and hairdressing centers.

It also ordered the closure of all restaurant reception halls from 8:00 pm and 5:00 am and allowed home-delivery services during the closure time. The Cabinet also banned opening of celebration halls and tents and all gatherings even for national days celebrations. Al-Saleh noted that all sports federations are asked to suspend all formal and friendly sports activities.

The Cabinet also imposed a oneweek institutional quarantine on all arrivals at their expenses and another week quarantine at home, as of February 21 and for one month. It also instructed the Civil Service Commission to set a number of penalties on civil servants who do not abide by coronavirus preventive measures. The Cabinet called on all nationals and residents to comply with preventive health measures and guidelines. Al-Saleh pointed out that these measures were taken to achieve the desired goals for the interests of the society and individuals and urged all people to work as a teamwork to eradicate the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Khaled Al-Hajri Al-Seyassah Staff and Agencies