Kuwait extends entry ban, strict curfew on board.

Kuwait to extend its entry ban on non-Kuwaitis until further notice, according to the latest directive issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to the airlines operating at Kuwait International Airport.

The entry ban came into effect on February 7, which was then extended for another two weeks. However, the directive exempted nationals, medical personnel, relatives of Kuwaiti citizens, accompanied domestic workers, diplomats and minors below the age of 18. Upon entry, travellers are to self-quarantine at a hotel for a week and another week in-home quarantine.

Meanwhile, Kuwait's Ministry of Health is considering to exempt Covid-19 vaccinated travellers from the mandatory institutional quarantine.

The ministry undersecretary of general health affairs, Dr Bothaina Al-Mudhaf told state-run news agency KUNA that the ministry completed vaccinating all registered people aged 65 years and over, including both nationals and expats. She added that the registration in the country has only reached 17.4 per cent of the total population and urged all to register for the inoculation.

Amid a massive increase in covid cases, Kuwait has imposed a month-long night curfew, from 5 PM-5 AM, on Sunday (March 7). Strict vigil is warranted by the National Guard forces, in cooperation with police personnel while the curfew is observed.

There is no restriction to go to mosques on foot while stores and markets are allowed to do delivery service during the curfew. Under the new order, the number of passengers travelling in taxis is restricted to two, which has been a huge blow to taxi drivers and companies.

During the day time, restaurants and cafes are to remain closed and to continue with drive-through and delivery services. Meanwhile, salons and health clubs are permitted to reopen during the day. All entertainment and social gatherings will remain suspended.

Authorities warned of legal actions such as deportation for foreigners and penalties of up to 10,000 dinars for natives upon any sorts of the violation. However, people are allowed to step out during the curfew hours with a pass in case of emergency medical treatment, doctor's visits, blood donation, PCR tests and Covid19 vaccinations. The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) noted that the residents can apply for a pass on their website https://www.paci.gov.kw/.

Certain categories such as ministers, health workers, judges, prosecutors, employees of DGCA, other staffs servicing at Kuwait airport, imams of mosques, customs, distributors and municipality workers are exempted from the curfew. However, ambassadors and diplomats are not exempted and are to obtain special permission to leave their homes during the lockdown hours, according to official sources.