I was talking to my friends in Dubai on Thursday letting them know what was going on in Kuwait and to my surprise, life was still normal over there. People were still going to work, going out drinking and partying, going to the gym as if there wasn’t a global pandemic.
It made me realize how on top of things Kuwait is right now. We were one of the first countries to shut down schools, we were given a public holiday not because we have an emergency but because they were being proactive in avoiding an emergency. Over the weekend cops were blocking off access to the beach so people don’t end up hanging out there and last night they announced the closure of malls and hair salons.
Things aren’t perfect for sure, but I can’t think of any other country I’d rather be in right now during this pandemic.
40 replies on “Kuwait On Top of Things”
*COMMENT REMOVED BY ADMIN. NO FAKE NEWS PLEASE. PLEASE PROVIDE LINKS FROM OFFICIAL SOURCES.*
Mark, that wasn’t fake news I linked to Alqabas
*LINK REMOVED BY ADMIN*
Even the other link, it was just listing the number of flights that came in Kuwait. U can search it for yourself
If u want to share an alqabas article that’s fine but it needs to be hosted on the alqabas domain.
No problem, I respect the rules of your blog. I linked the virtual newspaper but here is the link from their domain
https://alqabas.com/article/5758094-30-%D8%A3%D9%84%D9%81%D8%A7-%D8%AF%D8%AE%D9%84%D9%88%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%AE%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%86 (hope it works)
Anyways, my OG comment was: Kuwait should be taking extra precautions after it let 30k people enter the country without a pre-checkup.
https://news.kuwaittimes.net/website/cabinet-scraps-coronavirus-tests-for-expats/
Thank you 🙏🏻
Full marks to Kuwait on this. It’s been a real trail blazer in all of this. Even Norway has taken Kuwait’s cue in deciding to shut the airport there.
Also just look at Qatar where one fine day you suddenly have 250 new cases diagnosed from single digit numbers. Something also appears to be not quite right with UAE’s approach to this whole Corona episode.
‘life was still normal over there. People were still going to work, going out drinking and partying, going to the gym as if there wasn’t a global pandemic’
That, my friend, is called “The Dubai Syndrome”. It is the feeling of invincibility as if DXB is above all these ‘petty’ issues that only affect other countries. The syndrome stems equally from superiority complex, greed/speculation and false sense of security e.g. Emirates is still pretty much flying everywhere despite DXB being a global hub. Many of my friends there are oblivious to the ‘pandemic’ situation and are dismissing it as ‘fear mongering’.
Dubai has only today stopped issuing new visit visas from March 17. But what about those from infected countries that already obtained, or will do so in the next two days? Too little, too late!
One of them actually told me that “such diseases dont happen in Dubai”. Sigh.
I was having an argument with my friend who went to Barry’s boot camp this morning! I’m surprised as of today gyms and group workouts are still open there.
Since I am currently out of Kuwait I was intrigued to know if they have stopped printing dailies.
Print editions of broadsheets are good enough.
Any chance to bring out that epic picture again lol 🙂
Firstly – it has astounded me just how proactive Kuwait has been. They have been a shining light not only to the rest of the GCC countries but dare I say the world? Being from a large western country – Kuwait has put my home country to shame in the way they’ve reacted.
I do have some slight issues with the way it’s been done. The immigration decision was too quick leaving people with residency stranded at the airport for two days and people with tourist visas being deported. That wasn’t cool.
Also I’d rather see gatherings banned rather than blanket bans on beaches and parks. With a three year old and a two year old in a tiny flat – their mental health is already suffering and we have two more weeks (minimum) of this. They have nowhere to play (we have no space in the flat for toys) so already we are at breaking point….I see no reason why we shouldn’t take them to the beach for a swim or the park for a play.
There is also an argument that actually a country that reacts like this is only storing up problems for later on as the population wont build up immunity so when the virus comes back (which it will) countries which have locked down before an epidemic will only suffer issues later on. This virus isn’t going away.
However, that is just conjecture – we cannot really know for sure. What we can 100% know is that Kuwait has been astonishingly quick, thorough and co-ordinated in it’s response. Friends of mine in the UK and the USA are looking towards what we have done here with envy.
Yes it’s not perfect and as a family maybe those in big apartments and flats cannot comprehend how we are already suffering and will get worse.
But generally it has been a very impressive and compassionate response.
Respectfully, I disagree on pain points you highlighted. Please allow me to offer counter arguments:
– “The immigration decision was too quick”
Decisions need to be quick. You don’t want a mad rush/flurry and overcrowding of places at this time. To be honest, I think commercial flights should have been suspended within hours of the announcement instead of promoting last-minute travel and pandemonium that ensued. Further, people were not deported, their entry was denied given a directive. I was personally frustrated at the airport when this happened to people I was expecting, but they were super understanding.
– “I’d rather see gatherings banned rather than blanket bans on beaches and parks.”
Something you can control, some you can’t. Better spend time/resources on stuff you can. I understand your frustration, remember that “Necessity is the mother of invention”, so get creative. Do activities with your child that include moving, colouring, reading, etc.
– “-actually a country that reacts like this is only storing up problems for later on as the population wont build up immunity-”
I probably not respond to this comment, because I am dumb-founded that you are even suggesting that we should allow COVID-19 so that people can ‘have better immunity’. Educate yourself. Even people who recover, have lung fibrosis that will last with them a lifetime.
All in all. Positivity is needed – so thanks for yours!
Just to clarify I wasn’t suggesting that’s a course of action we should take. Just it’s something some have suggested.
I did say it was conjecture and we couldn’t know for sure. I don’t know enough to say what is the right action to take and what isn’t.
All I know is that Kuwait should be commended for taking such quick action which was the main point of my post…..
We can all disagree on some aspects of the legislation that’s been introduced but we don’t have access to the info the professionals do and they are doing the best for us.
Regarding the immunity point, by the time Covid-19 makes it’s second round (October or November) by then there will hopefully be a vaccine, that’s what Kuwait and many countries are betting on. Also as Aa mentioned, some survivors will have permanent lung damage even if they recover.
And then there are people like my son, who has lung problems since birth (BPD), and who was hospitalized for 8 days this past September with Influenza A. He is considered one of the high-risk groups, and could be killed by covid-19.
I cant imagine your fear… I wish him all the best
“Also I’d rather see gatherings banned rather than blanket bans on beaches and parks. With a three year old and a two year old in a tiny flat – their mental health is already suffering and we have two more weeks (minimum) of this. They have nowhere to play (we have no space in the flat for toys) so already we are at breaking point….I see no reason why we shouldn’t take them to the beach for a swim or the park for a play.”
The problem is, you’re not the only one in that situation. if it wasn’t banned, then the beaches and gardens would be full.
I think the govt has done exceptionally well and it is up to us expats and citizens to make sure that we’re supporting them by following the instructions.
Slightly harsh. Dubai is an international city which has an emphasis on finance and commercial services. It is very harsh to be critical Dubai or the UAE response. It is not greed, if the city does not run then there will a long term recession for the economy. The impact and death of this virus is not as extreme currently as others such as sars. Kuwait is doing what is best for itself and it main source of revenue which is oil. Dubai is trying to operate a future post oil. This virus mainly impacts the old and those with weakened system. Please don’t create unnecessary tension between GCC countries and comments. Furthermore, compare the number of cases by each country.
“Furthermore, compare the number of cases by each country”
Kuwait is at 104, UAE at 85 (reported). Not too far.
And from what I hear, UAE has not reported true numbers, they are too concerned about the impact on Expo 2020.
Expo 2020, versus something like the Olympics, could fairly easily be postponed into the “virus free” future…
Not as harsh as wide-spread uncontrolled infection.
Countries have a duty to their residents. Also, you are drawing unfair comparisons in light of other world-leading countries that are now using Kuwait as a model on how to proceed.
You’re talking about revenue, the economy, and commercial services and then saying “this is not greed” in the same sentence.
“The impact and death of this virus is not as extreme currently as others such as sars.”
So do we all go partying and wait for the virus to have a bigger impact , in order to do something about it? Illogical. The fact of the matter is, the world is taking a stance before the virus spreads and kills more people. Which has rounded up to 5,000. If that’s not enough of an impact for you, then I don’t know what on earth is wrong with you.
“This virus mainly impacts the old and those with weakened system”.
So these peoples’ lives don’t matter? They are fathers and grandfathers and great grandfathers of loved ones. Pretty disrespectful of you.
Maybe if the virus does ever get to you, you will change your ridiculous mindset.
Meanwhile, you can go chill and drink up in Dubai 🙂
If I ever got the virus, the chances of death is low. What is the point in complete lockdown if there is no future. If the economies don’t run, there will be no cures or future. The lives of people will depend sadly on economic value. Some people will die, more people die in road accidents. I am not talking about partying, if you don’t work and contribute in real terms to the economy you should get nothing. Let’s see how you would feel if the money markets stop. Imagine Hala no medicine, food. “There are individual men and women and there are families. And no government can do anything except through people, and people must look after themselves first. It is our duty to look after ourselves and then, also, to look after our neighbours.” Thatcher. So I think I will chill and accept the reality it is Allah’s will if I live and die.
All I would say is, life before everything else. Mine, my loved ones and my neighbours and fellow residents. Nothing else matters. Kuwait has absolutely done the right thing. Period.
@ Mrs Mohammed: we hear you loud and clear and feel for you. Our prayers are with you for the safety of your child.
With the UAE it’s clearly a case of doing too little too late. Dubai’s foot løose and fancy free attitude toward this global pandemic is at least part contributory to two thirds of the cases it exported to the Western Indian state of Maharashtra with Mumbai as its capital.
All 3 fatalities recorded thus far, in India due to the Corona virus have a common denominator in that they had all visited Dubai.
The main issue is that you don’t want the situation to get out of control and cripple your entire healthcare system. It’s not only about fatality rates. Look at Italy, a country whose healthcare system is ranked 2nd in the world by some metrics (https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/best-healthcare-in-the-world/), and now is a complete disaster.
I have been following the Dubai subreddit on Reddit. It’s pretty shocking that there’s minimal talk about the virus spread. They just now announced the closure of nightclubs! I know Dubai is reliant on business and tourism, but pretty much the whole world is in the same boat.
They are more worried than ever about the Expo which they have projected as the best thing to happen to planet Earth since sliced bread. If Expo is cancelled or delayed Dubai will be doomed as real estate and tourism are already in serious trouble for several years. The bubble will truly burst.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2020/03/14/Coronavirus-UAE-suspends-cinemas-wedding-gatherings.html
Yes! Kuwait is one of the most proactive Country in all ways.. takes good care of people here! Things aren’t perfect for sure. Thank you Kuwait !!
@ George – implicit in your comment is the suggestion that since the virus primarily affects our senior citizens with attendant complications the sole presence of the elderly, it is okay for life to gø on as usual. For those of us who still love and care for our so called un-productive seniors they need a fair chance against this virus and the only effective way to doing that is for the young and the Restless to also observe moderate social distancing..
Over the weekend I was like probably most of you on social media watching what people are going through all over the globe until I stumble into my friend’s accounts in Dubai and I’m like are they on this planet with us?!
I believe that countries that took measures late and manifested inaccurate numbers early on were the worse to respond to the uncontrollable inflation of those infected. take for example here Italy & Iran.
I wish UAE’s authorities consider that anything is mendable but a major loss in human power isn’t.
Thank you for the uplifting words, Mark; such positivity is important.
the problem is the restrictions are not strictly followed…
* Mass transport (KPTC, CITY bus) etc have been asked to stop operation…. but now the private bus owners have started bus services on the same route as the KPTC and city buses were operating and carrying passengers in full capacity
* there are many projects (KOC, KNPC, Kuwait University project) that are running in full scale were 1000+ people are working together… what happens if something spreads in one of those sites
.
If this ‘lock-down’ is to properly work, then there needs to be a TOTAL BAN on anyone venturing out of their homes.
Extreme I know, but you can’t have people exposed to each other as in the above post.
Kuwait is taking the best measurements and it’s clear how much they care about everyone’s safety. They have taken good precautionary steps and acted professional in raising awareness! Great job, Kuwait!
I’m quite surprised at how Kuwait took this situation seriously, but they could’ve closed the malls sooner. Also, what really upsets me was how people in quarantine were celebrating together during National & Liberation Days, like WHY??! http://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/kuwaiti-women-quarantined-inside-al-kout-hotel-celebrate-the-national-day/
Kuwait is taking necessary precaution because this is a densely populated country. Have you seen how laborers and menial workers live? It’s cramped. What Kuwait has done is the correct course of action.
That’s really good. Honestly, I’d rather be in Kuwait than the UK atm. Tbh, I thought it was just a flu, I didn’t care much. Then, PM says population will get infected, because we need herd immunity….. and then, I freaked out. I’d rather stay home as a healthy person fully functioning than coughing out my lungs because of pain. Take care and stay safe people.
@ George – implicit in your comment is the suggestion that since the virus primarily affects our senior citizens with attendant complications the sole presence of the elderly, it is okay for life to gø on as usual. For those of us who still love and care for our so called un-productive seniors they need a fair chance against this virus and the only effective way to doing that is for the young and the Restless to also observe moderate social distancing..
Suggestion:
For the Health benefit of your readers and social media followers please can you copy and post daily links to Ms. Mona Chalabi’s instagram posts.
Have found the tips and advice on there most practical and sage in the time of a COVID-19 Infodemic.
In case you are not aware, Ms Mona Chalabi is a British data journalist working with the Guardian.