Kuwait detects 12 new cases of Omicron, calls to defer travel

Kuwait detects 12 new cases of Omicron, calls to defer travel

By B Izzak & Agencies

KUWAIT: The health ministry yesterday reported 12 more cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in people arriving from several European countries, as a committee overseeing health conditions called for strictly imposing coronavirus precautionary measures. Health Ministry Spokesman Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad said the new cases have been isolated, adding the ministry has taken all necessary precautionary measures and launched an investigation into the cases.

Dr Sanad stressed the need to implement home quarantine for all passengers arriving in Kuwait and strictly implementing health measures and other preventive procedures. He called on public to complete their vaccinations including the third booster dose, avoid unsafe gatherings, observe safe distances and continue sanitizing hands. He also advised the public to take seasonal winter vaccinations.

Kuwait last week reported the first case of Omicron in a European man who arrived from an African nation that has reported cases of the Omicron variant. Dr Sanad also stressed that people should defer travel plans unless necessary. The Cabinet on Monday re-imposed home quarantine on all passengers arriving in the country for a period of 10 days, which can be cut to just three days if the passengers test negative for COVID.

The Cabinet also decided that