Omicron’s worldwide spread affects people’s travel plans in Kuwait

Omicron’s worldwide spread affects people’s travel plans in Kuwait

By Ben Garcia

KUWAIT: Kuwait is again witnessing a rise in the number of new coronavirus cases, with 150 cases on Saturday and 240 on Sunday. Kuwait has almost returned to normal, with most restrictions lifted, although facemasks are still needed to be worn in closed places. Kuwait detected its first case of the Omicron variant on Dec 7 in a European traveler who arrived in Kuwait from an African country where the variant is present. On Dec 21, the number rose to 13, after 12 new cases were found.

Kuwaiti authorities have urged all those arriving in Kuwait, even if they’re not infected with the virus, to self-isolate and follow all other preventative measures including avoiding gatherings and wearing facemasks. Authorities have also urged the public to take the third vaccine dose (booster) and called on the public to postpone any travel plans except for necessary trips.

But there are some travel plans that couldn’t be cancelled, like the couple who planned their trip to Georgia before the Omicron virus was detected. “We already planned for this long before Omicron, and I don’t want this trip to be postponed. I have work-related stress for the past three years and I want to