Kuwait to move into fourth phase of reopening this week

Kuwait will move into the fourth phase of its plan to return to normal life this week, with salons, gyms, barbershops, tailors, and spas set to reopen.

The next phase of the government’s five-phase plan, which will take effect from Tuesday, August 18, will also permit public bodies and private establishments to welcome back over 50 per cent of their workforce.

Restaurants and cafes are also now allowed to seat customers, with the use of public transport also permitted, provided they adhere to social distancing rules.

The government has also allowed football matches to restart at stadiums from August 15 without spectators.

However, officials said the partial curfew running from 9pm to 3am will remain in place until further notice.

Contingency plans have also been made to take action in the event of a second wave of the virus, officials stated.

Kuwait started implementing a five-phased plan in June to reopen the economy completely by mid-September after imposing a complete curfew from May 10-30 to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

It has also resumed international passenger flights from August 1 as part of a three-phase plan.

Flights will be operated at 30 per cent capacity during the first phase, with a maximum of 10,000 passengers and 100 flights per day.

That will be raised to 60 per cent capacity with a maximum of 20,000 passengers and 200 flights daily in the second stage, which will begin on February 1, 2021.

The final phase will start on August 1, 2021 at 100 per cent capacity.