Kuwait imposes nationwide curfew

Kuwait announced it was imposing a nationwide 11-hour curfew from 5pm to 4am starting Sunday until further notice.

The drastic measure comes as part of the country’s efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Kuwait, which went into virtual lockdown on Thursday, has taken some of the most drastic steps in the region to curb the virus’ spread.

Anas Khaled Nasser Al Saleh, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs said, “Regrettably, failing to comply with the Ministry of Health’s instructions to stay indoors has forced the government to impose a partial curfew”.

He added that the Civil Defence Committee will issue identification cards for people working in vital sectors to ensure they can move about during the curfew.

The Gulf Arab country, which has reported 176 cases of the virus, said violators of the curfew could face up to three years in jail or fines of up to 10,000 dinars ($32,157). The Kuwait National Guard will aid police in imposing the curfew.

Kuwait’s cabinet had already announced that an extension to a suspension of schools and universities until Aug. 4 - the first among its neighbours to impose such lengthy education closures to limit the spread of the sometimes deadly disease.

Earlier last week, the government warned it would implement stricter measures in the fight against the coronavirus if the public did not adhere to the issued guidelines and laws.