KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait's Minister of Health Sheikh Dr. Bassel Al-Sabah warned of taking tougher measures if public failed to wear masks, maintain social distancing and avoid gathering as he underlined the importance of preventive measures taken recently to prevent the rise in COVID-19 hospitalized cases. The minister made the remarks while making a visual presentation at a National Assembly special session on Tuesday to discuss government measures and policy in dealing with COVID-19. "The number of hospitalized cases at public hospitals has reached 585, while intensive care has reached 138 cases," he said. The Kuwaiti minister stressed the importance of taking the vaccine as it is the only way to fight the pandemic, pointing out that Kuwait got the vaccine within days after the US, Britain and Canada, while 130 countries do not have it until today. The virus is rapidly spreading in the country which requires proactive preventive measures to limit its spread, he said. "We are now at the fourth stage of restoration of normal life, with the transfer of two activities from to fifth stage (to fourth one), which are salons and health clubs, for social and economic reasons, where the situation at that time allowed them to be transferred to the fourth stage." The minister extended thanks and appreciation to medical stuff, doctors, pharmacists, nurses, technicians, administrators and others who faced the crisis from the front lines. In a related development, the Kuwaiti health ministry announced on Monday that there were no records of deaths, admissions in intensive care units or "unexpected side-effects" from vaccinations that have been administered against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country. Reacting to baseless reports that have gone viral on social media, the ministry has affirmed in a statement that the vaccinations accredited in Kuwait are effective and safe. "A specialized technical team regularly follows up on (possible) side effects" that may appear among those have been taking the jabs, the ministry added. It warned that legal action would be taken against those who promote "these rumors and false information that may create jitters among citizens."
