Kuwait government decided to extend a partial curfew by two hours as of Monday to be between 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m., as well as imposing a lockdown on the Areas of Mahboula and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Minister of Interior announced.

Anas Al-Saleh, also Deputy Premier and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, told an online news conference that the extension of the curfew would be effective as of today. Al-Saleh also said the government believed it would be useful to have gradual extension of the curfew in order to allow people leave their houses but only when necessary. He urged the public anew to stay indoors even when the curfew ended.

Al-Saleh also said the government decided to impose a complete lockdown on Mahboula and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Areas for two weeks. He said the lockdown, to start today, would enable the health workers carry out tests of inhabitants in the two areas for their own wellbeing and for the wellbeing of the public in general.

Al-Saleh thanked the citizens and expatriates for displaying responsible commitment to the health authorities' instructions which aimed at preserving their safety.

Minister of Health Sheikh Dr. Bassel Al-Sabah, addressing the same news conference, said health authorities were in the process of containment and to know who was the sources of the virus, as well as containing the sick persons.

He urged people anew to wash their hands, stay indoors, avoid gatherings and be aware of social distancing.

Cabinet also decided to extend the official holiday and the suspension of business until April 26, and considered these days as rest.