His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah asserted on Wednesday that the health situation in the country is stable and reassuring, provided that people continue to abide by guidelines.
His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said in a press interview with the chief editors of local newspapers, at Seif Palace, that "a vaccine for the coronavirus pandemic is not yet available, and therefore this disease will continue, but for how long, or how spread is all subject to expectations."
The premier explained, "we must adhere to health guidelines and provide all what they need to face the pandemic, those who work in hospitals, intensive care units, respiratory equipment, and protective clothing for the medical staff and all those facing danger in all our institutions."
Sheikh Sabah stated that the challenge is great and enormous, and the determination of the Kuwaiti people is also great, which gave us hope that the continuation of this patriotic spirit, which was manifested in difficult circumstances, would reduce the damage to overcome this epidemic with the least possible damage.
His Highness pointed out the importance of the meeting today, which coincides with the entry of the first phase to return to normal life since Coronavirus crisis started fourth months ago, adding that we entered the fourth day of the plan to gradually return to life, which will be completed in its five stages.
The premier stated that Kuwait, through its financial soundness, ability and network of relationships, has been able to provide all the needs for the country, and to provide the adequate health, pharmaceutical and preventive stocks needed for everyone.
Sheikh Sabah added, "we must provide everything that citizens and residents need," pointing out that the implementing health guidelines in collaboration with other authorities was a difficult equation, but it is necessary to work on achieving the result needed.
He added that this health crisis made the whole world in chaos during the past three months and its effects, and repercussions extended to all sectors in the world.
On his meeting with the chief editors of the local newspapers, His Highness expressed his happiness at this meeting, pointing out that it was planned according to his first press meeting as Prime Minister at the beginning of last December that the frequency of these meetings be regular, but the current circumstances prevented him from doing what was planned, stressing that this will be compensated in the future.
He reiterated thanks and appreciation to all those who contributed and volunteered to work challenging the risks during the past months.
Kuwaiti individuals and institutions put their capabilities at the disposal of the government to manage the crisis, which helped us to have multiple options.
The government, at the beginning of the crisis, activated the emergency plan, as 120 beds were allocated to intensive care, and it worked during the last period to increase the capacity of intensive care to currently allocate 600 beds of intensive care, which is five times bigger than what we had, in addition to equipping hospitals and expanding their wards to receive the infected.
His Highness the premier praised efforts of government agencies, including the oil sector, the Kuwaiti army, the National Guard, and all who helped build and organize the establishment of field hospitals, expressing at the same time his sincere thanks and appreciation to all government agencies, civil society institutions and the private sector who participated and supported the government in facing the repercussions of this epidemic.
Sheikh Sabah also praised the efforts exerted by employees of the Ministry of Interior, men and women, for their efforts and hard work during the past three months, in addition to the services provided by the General Fire Department to support various sectors.