Kuwait Times, Tuesday, Dec 28, 2021 | Jumada Al-Uola 21, 1443
Omicron’s worldwide spread affects people’s travel plans in Kuwait
Kuwait:
Kuwait is again witnessing a rise in the number of new coronavirus cases, with
150 cases on Saturday and 240 on Sunday. Kuwait has almost returned to normal,
with most restrictions lifted, although facemasks are still needed to be worn in
closed places. Kuwait detected its first case of the Omicron variant on Dec 7 in
a European traveler who arrived in Kuwait from an African country where the
variant is present. On Dec 21, the number rose to 13, after 12 new cases were
found.
Kuwaiti authorities have urged all those arriving
in Kuwait, even if they’re not infected with the virus, to self-isolate and
follow all other preventative measures including avoiding gatherings and wearing
facemasks. Authorities have also urged the public to take the third vaccine dose
(booster) and called on the public to postpone any travel plans except for
necessary trips.
But there are some travel plans that couldn’t be
cancelled, like the couple who planned their trip to Georgia before the Omicron
virus was detected. “We already planned for this long before Omicron, and I
don’t want this trip to be postponed. I have work-related stress for the past
three years and I want to relax and unwind, even for a few days,” said Donnalyn
and Jonjie, who left for Georgia yesterday for a weeklong vacation.
“I just hope things will be okay, and there will
be no further restrictions on travelers,” Donnalyn said. The couple was
scheduled to travel to France, but Paris imposed further travel restrictions in
the last few weeks after a rise in the number of COVID cases. France is
reporting a daily record of more than 100,000 new coronavirus cases as President
Emmanuel Macron weighs measures to contain the fast-spreading Omicron variant.
Other expatriates who had planned to take their
annual vacation in the next few days have changed their minds. “I had planned to
go on vacation with my wife and two children in February next year, but with the
new variant, I don’t want to take any chances, as maybe we won’t be able to
re-enter Kuwait. I don’t want to lose my job, because I have a family to feed
and children to send to school,” Eric told Kuwait Times.
People in Kuwait are aware of the threat of the
new variant and are taking extra personal precautions. “In Kuwait, we have to do
our share to help the government protect everyone. If you know there’s something
wrong, stay at home until fully recovered so the virus cannot spread to someone
else,” said Bashir, an Indian resident. As of Sunday, Kuwait has reported
415,151 COVID cases and 2,468 deaths, along with 411,340 recoveries.