New Covid rules: Kuwait imposes curfew on businesses; bans gatherings for National Day

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 in the country.

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In a statement, the Kuwait cabinet announced it had ordered the closure of gyms and salons and asked other commercial businesses to cease operating at 8pm to 5am every day for one month, starting February 7. Pharmacies, supermarkets and other food supply stores, however, would be exempt from the rule.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of state for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh also noted that all health clubs, resorts, beauty salons and hairdressing centres were also ordered shut.

Additionally, all restaurant reception halls have also been ordered to close from 8pm to 5am. However, home delivery services will be allowed to operate during the closure time.

Celebration halls and tents, as well as all gatherings — even for National Day celebrations later this month — are banned.

Finally, all sports federations have also been asked to suspend all formal and friendly sports activities.

The Cabinet noted that it had instructed the Civil Service Commission to set a number of penalties on civil servants who do not abide by Covid-19 preventive measures.

The Gulf country had earlier said it will suspend entry for non-citizens for two weeks as of February 7, following a rise in coronavirus cases.

However, first-degree relatives, such as parents and children, and accompanying domestic workers would be exempt from the entry ban.

Furthermore, all those arriving in the country would have to undergo mandatory institutional quarantine of one week at their own expense as well as another week of quarantine at home.