Cairo: Kuwait starts Sunday enforcing a full nationwide curfew with the aim of stemming the spread of the new coronavirus.
The following are answers to some frequently asked questions on the latest restriction.
Q: When will the curfew begin and end?
A: It will take effect as of 4pm (5pm UAE time) Sunday and continue until May 30.
Q: What are the businesses allowed to operate during the curfew?
A: Cooperatives, food stores, bakeries, pharmacies and gas cylinder outlets will be allowed to operate with their services to be limited to home deliveries. Shopping at cooperatives will be allowed in two shifts: from 9am to 3pm; and from 8pm to 1.30am for one time per person each week and for 30 minutes via a reservation system. Household and electricity services will be available through permits from authorities.
Q: What about health care facilities?
A: They will continue to operate round the clock. Going to hospital will require a permit from authorities. Teams are to be set up in each of Kuwait’s six governorates to handle emergency cases.
Q: Will restaurants operate?
A: No. Home deliveries, previously offered by restaurants, will also be suspended.
Q: Will banking and foreign exchange services be available?
A: All branches of banks and forex offices will be closed while continuing their online services.
Q: Who will go to work during the curfew?
A: All private businesses will be halted except for those to be specified by a ministerial committee on COVID-19. Only necessary government agencies will work.
Q: Can residents go outdoors during the curfew?
A: People will be allowed to move out for exercising within their residential areas for two hours every day from 4.30 to 6.30 pm without using cars.
Q: What about air travellers on emergency flights?
A: Passengers arriving in or leaving Kuwait will be allowed, along one escort only, to move out, provided a copy of the air ticket is shown.
