Like everyone else, you were probably bombarded by 100 messages at once as soon as news of the full lockdown broke. After two months of partial curfew, practicing social distancing, and really doing everything that you can to stay home, this development can be quite daunting.
While you’re allowed to take to your socials to vent, the lockdown will go on. The best thing you can do right now is to arm yourself with information from official sources to help you plan how you’re going to deal with the next 20 days. Here’s what we know so far:
Curfew Details
- The full curfew begins Sunday, the 10th of May at 4 p.m. and will last until the 30th of May. Full lockdown means no going out at all except with the acceptable permits.
- All citizens and residents must wear a mask or protective gear that covers the nose and mouth when accessing any and all public spaces.
- The council of ministers has designated two hours per day, 4:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. for exercise. Residents can leave their homes to exercise inside their residential areas only. This includes covering the face and nose using a mask or any form of protection, practicing social distancing, walking within your area of residence only, and refraining from the use of any form of transport (bicycles, motorbikes, cars, and golf carts, etc. are not allowed).
- You can still apply for a permit to access specific services when required. Please visit this link to apply for a leave permit request.
- Here’s the complete list of decisions issued in the latest Council of Ministers meeting regarding the full lockdown
The decisions taken at the council of ministers
— مركز التواصل الحكومي (@CGCKuwait) May 8, 2020
8-5-2020#CGCKuwait pic.twitter.com/dMrtIKztjS
Buying Groceries and Necessities
Understandably this is a major concern for many people. You can book a shopping appointment on the MOCI website once every six days. Previously, the link allowed for shopping from specific cooperatives, but now, more food outlets are included like Sultan Center, Lulu hypermarket, Oncost, Carrefour, amongst many others are available to you based on your address.
You will first enter your Civil ID and Serial Number (found on the back of your ID card), you will then need to enter your phone number and email. Make sure these are correct because that’s where the permit will be sent.
If your current address doesn’t match the address on your Civil ID, you can always select “My Address doesn’t match my Civil ID info” option and then enter the PACI number for your current address to book an appointment. The website also allows you to change the date of your appointment or cancel it.
Once you’ve successfully booked an appointment, make sure to check your email for two QR codes, one that will be used to enter the store/supermarket/coop and another one that is your curfew pass to allow you to be on the road during the lockdown.
You will be allowed to shop for a limited time inside the store/supermarket/coop. Make sure that you have a list with you so you don’t waste precious time.
It’s important to remember that only the person who has made the appointment will be allowed to enter the store/supermarket/coop.
MOCI has also activated the hotline 101 dedicated for the elderly and people with special needs, to assist with booking appointments at local coops. Kuwait’s municipality also confirmed that Bakalas may resume operations during the total lockdown during specific timings. So if you can’t get an appointment with your coop or supermarket, and you are running low on supplies, they will be able to deliver.
Medical Services
We have already put together a list of hospitals, clinics, and services that you can access using the phone or digitally. Emergency departments are open, but you need a permit to visit. If in doubt, call 151 for more information. Pharmacies are still open and will be delivering.
News Sources to Follow
KUNA– available in Arabic, English and French. You may visit the website or follow them on Twitter.
The Ministry of Health on Twitter for ongoing updates, or on Instagram.
Corona.e.gov.kw– The government has also started, along with the help of awesome volunteers, a dedicated website to stay updated with the latest from official channels.
The Center of Government Communication on Twitter or Instagram shares official statements as well.
The Ministry of Interior on Twitter and Instagram
The Ministry of Information on Twitter and Instagram
Throughout all of this, remember to stay calm, and stay safe. This too shall pass. If you see any key information that needs to be added to this resource, please do reach out to us on Instagram. Featured image by Abdullah AlSaleh.
