Minister of Health, Sheikh Dr. Bassel Al-Sabah, stressed importance of measures taken recently to avoid increase of Covid-19 hospitalized cases, as he warned of taking tougher measures if public failed to wear masks, maintain social distancing and avoid gathering.

This came in a visual presentation by Dr. Bassel at a National Assembly special session, Tuesday, to discuss government measures and policy in dealing with Covid-19.

The number of hospitalized cases at public hospitals has reached 585, while intensive care has reached 138 cases, he said.

He stressed the importance of taking the vaccine as it is the the only way to fight the pandemic, pointing out that Kuwait got the vaccine within days after the US, Britain and Canada, while 130 countries do not have it until today.

The registration statistics for the Covid-19 vaccine until, Monday, at vaccination platform reached 454,522, including about 215,000 citizens and about 238,000 residents, while the total number of vaccinated reached about 137,000 including about 119,000 citizens, as the average daily number people taking the shot is about 16,000 per day, he added.

The virus is rapidly spreading in the country which requires proactive preventive measures to limit its spread, he said.

"We are now at the fourth stage of restoration of normal life, with the transfer of two activities from to fifth stage (to fourth one), which are salons and health clubs, for social and economic reasons, where the situation at that time allowed them to be transferred to the fourth stage."

The Minister extended thanks and appreciation to medical staff, doctors, pharmacists, nurses, technicians, administrators and others who faced the crisis from the front lines.