Is Lockdown-2 A Possible Option?

Over three dozen deaths related to coronavirus infection in a week and continued high daily infection rates are prompting a rethink among health officials about enforcing stricter restrictive measures on movement of people. Several relevant authorities are calling for at least a partial lockdown, especially given the lax attitude among many to complying with the various health and safety guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Health and others.

Minister of Health Dr. Basil Al-Sabah is expected to hold a meeting with top health ministry officials to review the situation and discuss any additional measures needed to stem   coronavirus infections. He is then likely to present the conclusions of the discussions with the Council of Ministers during an extraordinary session of the Cabinet on Monday or Tuesday, so as to enable the Council to take appropriate decisions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and health authorities in several countries have also warned of a potential second-wave of the virus infection with the onset of winter, with many countries in Europe said to be already experiencing a second wave of infections.

Though it is not being actively considered for the moment, a return to partial or full lockdown remains an option, a health official stated. The official warned that medical authorities will be forced to recommend a second close-down of the country, in the event that the coronavirus infection takes a dramatic turn for the worse, or infection rates surge to the point that hospitals and the health system can no longer cope with the disease.

The idea behind partial or full lockdowns is to decrease the chances of people intermingling and thereby rapidly spreading a virulent disease. Keeping infection rates within limits, allows the health system to cater to patients efficiently. However, if the number of patients increase dramatically, health facilities could become overwhelmed and reach the stage where it is unable to provide appropriate medical treatment to everyone.

He noted that there were many reports of citizens’ negligence and violation of health requirements, as they now travel and return from abroad freely without any essential need. In addition many citizens were found to be holding public gatherings, not maintaining social distancing, and not wearing masks in public. These practices have resulted in an increase in the number of deaths and new infections, and placed extensive pressure on the intensive care departments of health facilities.

Emphasizing the need for people to be aware that the coronavirus pandemic is not yet over, and that there was a strong likelihood of a second-wave, the official urged the public to behave responsibly, and to strictly adhere to the health and safety guidelines issued by the health authorities. Wearing face masks in public, maintaining social distance, frequently washing hands and sanitizing surfaces, are practices that should become a regular feature of life, said the official.

He added that although the number of infected people needing critical care are coming down, and recovery rates were improving, this should not be a reason for complacency or laxity in adhering to health and safety requirements. Acting responsibly would allow all of us to slowly and safely return to normal life, said the health official.

In the meantime, it has been reported that the quarantine period for two weeks for those returning from abroad will not be changed, and that it will depend on local and global developments of the pandemic. It was also clarified that people in quarantine are strictly monitored and there have been no lapses in recent weeks. They point out that patients in quarantine are monitored by an online system, and necessary action would be taken against anyone found violating quarantine.

On the other hand, a source at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been quoted as saying that the removal of countries from the banned list, from where direct passenger flights to Kuwait are banned, is an ongoing process and that countries could be added or removed from the list depending on the infection situation in those countries as reported by relevant health authorities. He also added that in light of the current circumstances there were no plans to open up the airport facilities for use by everyone. 

 

SOURCE : TIMES KUWAIT

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