Kuwait suspends entry of foreigners for two weeks, imposes restrictions on malls, shops

Kuwait suspends entry of foreigners for two weeks, imposes restrictions on malls, shops

Kuwait has imposed a two-week ban on the entry of foreigners into the country from Sunday, February 7, as part of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, the country's Cabinet announced on Wednesday.

Only close relatives of Kuwaiti citizens and domestic workers are exempt from the decision.

The Cabinet also announced other restrictions in the country. Commercial shops and restaurants - including malls - will have to stay closed from 8pm to 5am, although delivery services can continue. Pharmacies and food stores are exempt from the ban.

Meanwhile health clubs, salons, barbershops, celebration halls and tents have been ordered to close. Officials have also banned all types of gatherings, including for national holiday celebrations later this month. All sports events have also ben suspended.

The restrictions will be in place for one month starting February 7, and can be renewed if the situation does not improve, government spokesman Tareq Al-Mazrem said.

Kuwait has also re-introduced institutional quarantine for a week for all those returning from abroad. Travellers will need to pay for the quarantine facilities - which will be at local hotels - and will also be required to undergo another seven days of home quarantine.

The Civil Aviation department has also indefinitely extended