Cairo: The Kuwaiti government has endorsed a draft law vowing tough penalties against coronavirus patients who are aware of their infection and hide it, media reported Tuesday as part of the country’s efforts to battle the virus.
According to the draft, anyone who knows they have contracted contagious diseases, including the Covid-19, and intentionally transmit them to others face maximum five years in prison and a fine of up to 50,000 dinars.
The proposed law will be submitted to Kuwait’s Emir who has the power to refer it to parliament to debate and approve it before the bill takes effect.
On Tuesday, the Kuwaiti Health Ministry reported seven further coronavirus cases, taking the total in the country to 130 infections.
In recent weeks, Kuwait has enforced a string of precautionary measures to contain the spread of the virus.
The country has halted flights with the outside world, given all employees a two-week holiday and extended the closure of educational institutions.
Authorities have also ordered the shutdown of commercial complexes, shopping malls and public markets with the exception of food supply outlets.
