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03 Apr 2020 | 10:00 AM UTC

Kuwait: Strict sanctions for curfew violations announced April 2 /update 9

Kuwaiti officials announce tougher sanctions for curfew violators as of April 2; follow authority directives

Warning

Event

On Thursday, April 2, Kuwaiti officials announced stricter sanctions for those who violate the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) curfew. Expatriates who violate the curfew will face deportation. Citizens will be referred to the relevant authorities for investigation. Previous announcements have threatened fines or imprisonment for up to three years. The interior ministry advises residents to request the necessary permits online for all essential outings during the curfew.

Authorities announced the overnight curfew that began on Sunday, March 22, will remain in place until further notice. All movement is restricted between 17:00 and 04:00 (local time). The Civil Defense Committee will reportedly issue identification cards for individuals working in vital sectors to ensure they can move about during the curfew.

Other containment measures remain in place as of Sunday. All commercial flights to and from the country, with the exception of cargo flights, are indefinitely suspended. Flight arrivals at Kuwait International Airport (KWI) are restricted to Kuwaitis and their "first degree relatives." The government has also temporarily banned all gatherings at restaurants, cafes, and commercial centers. 

As of Friday, April 3, there are 342 COVID-19 cases in Kuwait. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the virus as a "pandemic."

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone non-essential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

  • Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
  • When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
  • If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.