Kuwait Times, Tuesday, May 11, 2021 | Ramadan 29, 1442
Govt to lift partial curfew from the first day of Eid
Kuwait: The council of ministers yesterday decided to lift the
partial curfew, imposed a few months ago to combat the spread of the coronavirus
pandemic, from the first day of Eid Al-Fitr starting Thursday, the government
spokesman said. Tareq Al-Mazrem said that the partial curfew will end at 1 am on
the first day of the Eid on Thursday, adding that the country is heading for
reopening various sectors on gradual basis. Mazrem also said that the ban on the
entry of all expatriates into Kuwait will continue indefinitely, and any
exemptions must be made by the coronavirus high committee.
The council of ministers also decided to partially re-open restaurants and cafes
but continued the ban on dining inside them. Customers will be allowed to
receive their orders in person but without sitting inside. Mazrem also said that
the Cabinet also decided to shut all commercial activities from 8 pm to 5 am
except pharmacies, food stores, medical stores, restaurants and cafes.
Cinemas and theatres will be allowed to reopen only for people who have been
vaccinated, provided customers strictly adhere to all health conditions like
wearing facemasks and observing social distancing, Mazrem said. The Cabinet also
decided to halt all commercial flights, except cargo service, with Pakistan,
Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka due to the prevailing pandemic situation in
those countries.
Travelers from the four countries are banned from arriving into Kuwait directly
and must spend at least 14 days in a third country, he said. Mazrem said
authorities hope to move gradually into further easing the restrictions as the
health condition in the country stabilizes and more people are vaccinated.
The Cabinet approved holding the Eid prayers but for only 15 minutes in strict
compliance with all health conditions, he said. The government spokesman also
said that a decision by the Cabinet to ban unvaccinated Kuwaitis from leaving
the country will be implemented from May 22 as was announced.
The Cabinet decided yesterday to increase the percentage of employees in public
and private offices to a maximum of 60 percent starting from May 17. All public
and private celebrations including weddings and gatherings at Diwaniyas will
continue to be banned, Mazrem added.