Coronavirus: Kuwait begins 20-day 'total curfew' to curb pandemic
Kuwait began a "total curfew" on Sunday through to 30 May to help to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
During the curfew, public sectors will work remotely and private sector activities, excluding vital ones, will be suspended.
All banks will be closed, but will continue to provide services electronically.
Essential sectors like health, security, electricity, oil and municipal services, as well as private sector companies providing vital services like maintenance will be exempt from the curfew, Interior Minister Anas al-Saleh said.
Kuwait on 20 April expanded a nationwide curfew to 16 hours a day, from 4pm (13.00 GMT) to 8am, and extended a suspension of work in the public sector, including government ministries, until 31 May.
"Anything that serves the citizens and expatriates at their homes and meets their needs will have all the possibilities to continue their operations," said Kuwait's Minister of Trade and Industry Khaled al-Rawdan.
"After the curfew, we hope there will be a gradual comeback."
One person from each family
Cooperatives and grocery stores will remain open during the curfew. People will have to book an appointment in advance and one person from each family will be allowed out for shopping.
People will be required to wear protective masks and will be able to go out for walks between 4.30pm and 6.30pm without using any vehicles.
In addition, print newspapers will be suspended and home deliveries will be allowed only for essential food and pharmaceutical supplies.
As of Sunday, Kuwait's total number of confirmed cases stood at 7,623, with 49 deaths and 2,622 reported recovered.
The number of cases in the six Gulf Arab states has risen steadily despite containment measures including curfews, the grounding of passenger flights and the closure of most public venues.
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