MoH updates protocols as COVID cases jump to 4,397

MoH updates protocols as COVID cases jump to 4,397

By B Izzak

KUWAIT: The number of new coronavirus cases surged to 4,397 yesterday, with the infection rate climbing to a dangerous 11.7 percent, as government departments are due to cut staff and working hours from today. The ministry also reported one death, as the number of cases in intensive care units rose to 15 and patients in hospitals increased to 162. Based on official statistics, there are more than 24,600 active COVID-19 cases in the country.

The ministry of health also said it has changed protocols in dealing with COVID-19, stressing that unvaccinated people who come in contact with infected cases must undergo home quarantine for 14 days. Kuwait has reported close to 25,000 coronavirus cases since the start of January, according to official figures released by the health ministry, the fastest rate of infection since the outbreak of the pandemic almost two years ago.

The ministry yesterday advised people who experience symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat or fever to avoid mixing with others, rest and take more liquids. According to the new health protocols, people who come in contact with a positive COVID-19 case for at least 15 minutes without covering their mouth and nose at a distance