Falling number of new infections and fatalities from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a decrease in the number of patients seeking admittance to intensive care units in hospitals, in addition to an increase in vaccinations, has given rise to a cautious optimism that life could soon return to normal, said Minister of Health Sheikh Dr. Basel Al-Sabah last week during a press conference clarifying the improvements in the country’s epidemiological situation.
However, the health minister warned that we cannot afford to let down our guard or be lax in precautionary measures, as the health system continues to face several ongoing challenges, including the impending return to school by children at the start of the academic year in September, a surge in variants of the coronavirus in some countries, and the continued spread of the virus in many places worldwide.
Regarding the expatriates of high-risk countries, he stressed that they can leave Kuwait and return to the country without any hassle, provided that they had received two doses of the vaccinations in Kuwait, or were vaccinated abroad with one of the vaccine approved by the health authorities in Kuwait, and the vaccination certificates were verified and approved online by the technical committee set up for this purpose by the health ministry.
Pointing out that Kuwait was doing everything possible to ensure the health safety and wellbeing of citizens and residents in the country, the health minister added that Kuwait’s performance in dealing with the epidemic has been lauded by the World Health Organization, especially the fact that the country was conducting more than 16,000 test swabs each day.
Despite improvements in the epidemiological conditions, Health Minister Dr. Basel Al-Sabah reiterated the need for everyone to adhere to health precautions, such as receiving the required doses of vaccines at the earliest opportunity, maintaining social distancing, wearing face masks, and avoiding social gatherings as much as possible. Such measures were needed so as to curtail the spread of infections and protect the homeland, said the minister while praying to God Almighty to perpetuate the blessings of health and wellness on everyone.