Coronavirus Cases in Kuwait Rise above 20,460

On Saturday, Kuwait reported 900 new coronavirus cases and Ten new virus-related deaths in 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health.

In a statement, the ministry said that this brings the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 20,464 and the coronavirus death toll to 148.

"Some of the newly detected cases were infected after coming into contact with people who have the virus," the ministry added.

Kuwait and lockdown over coronavirus

Kuwait on Sunday began its 24-hour nationwide curfew to curb the coronavirus outbreak. The ministry urged citizens and residents to adhere to precautionary measures to contain the spread of the virus.

Essential sectors like health, security, electricity, oil and municipal services, as well as private sector companies providing vital services like maintenance are exempted from the lockdown, and issued permits to enable them to travel to and from work.

Supermarkets and food outlets remain open, but those wishing to visit them will have to book an appointment in advance. Only one person from each family are allowed out for shopping.

People are required to wear protective masks and practice social distancing when out of their homes and are allowed to go out for walks between 4.30 and 6.30 pm, without using any vehicles.

On April 20, Kuwait expanded a nationwide curfew to 16 hours a day, from 4 p.m to 8 a.m, and extended a suspension of work in the public sector, including government ministries, until May 31.

Several Arab countries have tightened restrictions on movement and travel, with the aim of curbing the spread of the coronavirus, and some have pledged billions of dollars in economic stimulus programs to reduce the economic repercussions of the crisis.

More cases of the virus, which causes respiratory disease COVID-19, continue to emerge, with outbreaks in South Korea, Italy, and Iran.

People across the globe partake in self-isolation for 14 days as an effective precautionary measure to protect those around them and themselves from contracting COVID-19.

Transmission of the virus between humans happens when someone comes into contact with an infected person’s secretions, such as droplets in a cough.

It can also be transmitted by coming into contact with something an infected person has touched and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

How to protect yourself from coronavirus: 

-Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if your hands are not visibly dirty as washing hands with soap and water eliminates the virus if it is on the hands.

-When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a closed bin and clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. If you sneeze or cough into your hands, you can pass the virus to other people that you have contact with.

-Eating fruits and vegetables that contain Vitamin C so that your immune system could be enhanced for better and be able to confront viruses.

-Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth as hands touch many surfaces, which can be contaminated with the virus. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your contaminated hands, the virus from the surface may infect you.

Accordingly, you need to keep surrounding surfaces clean and free of viruses.

Make sure to keep all surrounding surfaces clean, even those that don’t usually cross minds like: keyboards, phone receivers, doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.