Kuwait will not extend complete curfew beyond May 30

Kuwait will not be extending its total curfew which ends on May 30, the council of ministers decided during an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday.

However, a partial curfew will remain in the country as part of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, interior minister Anas Al-Saleh has confirmed.

The full details of the new measures are expected to be announced on Thursday.

Kuwait imposed a complete lockdown on May 10 for three weeks following a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus infections in the country.

Under the regulations, only those working in essential sectors such as electricity, oil and municipality and employees at private firms assisting them are allowed to continue operations during the lockdown.

Private supermarkets and groceries are also be allowed to remain open in certain areas.

All delivery services – except for cooperative societies and pharmacies – have also been suspended.

People are allowed to go on walks inside residential areas between 4.30pm to 6.30pm daily, but they have to wear masks. They are also not allowed to drive.

Read: Covid-19: Kuwait begins three-week complete lockdown from May 10

Al Saleh said that the although the number of coronavirus cases have continued to increase during the lockdown, health authorities are confident about handling the situation.

Kuwait reported 608 new Covid-19 infections on Tuesday, with the total number of cases reaching 22,575. While the death toll stands at 172, the total number of recoveries reported so far has reached 7,306.