Ramadan rituals curbed in Kuwait over virus spread

KUWAIT CITY: The Kuwaiti Cabinet, in its regular meeting on Monday has put restrictions on a number of Ramadan rituals to help bring coronavirus infections under control amid an alarming high infection rate in the country.

The Cabinet limited the time of Taraweeh prayer – an evening prayer performed during Ramadan in addition to the nightly Isha prayer – at mosques to 15 minutes, said Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohamad Al-Sabah in a statement following the Cabinet virtual meeting.

The Cabinet, headed by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, also banned delivering religious lectures or sermons and holding any activities at mosques after the prayers. It urged worshippers who had not inoculated yet to perform their Taraweeh prayer at home.

The Cabinet also banned holding iftar (fast-breaking) banquets at mosques or at any other public or private place. It, however, allowed distribution of packaged fast-breaking meals to needy people.

The decisions were taken after a presentation from Health Minister Dr. Sheikh Bassel Al-Sabah about the epidemic situation in the country. In his briefing, the minister lamented that the number of coronavirus infections and fatalities in Kuwait still high.

He warned that the situation is delicate and urged all the public to register to get the vaccine to rein in the virus.

The Cabinet called on citizens and residents to adhere to social distancing rules and other coronavirus precautionary measures, particularly avoiding crowds, to stop the spread of coronavirus and maintain the safety of all.

The Cabinet also approved the Health Ministry’s request to hire a fourth batch of Pakistani doctors, nurses and medical workers. Earlier, the Cabinet congratulated His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwaiti people and foreign residents in Kuwait on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Cabinet expressed condolences and sympathy to family of policeman Saad Salem Nafaa who was martyred in a tragic accident while on duty yesterday. It voiced appreciation of the sacrifices and efficient work of the Interior Ministry’s staff and personnel since the pandemic began.

The Cabinet reviewed the agenda of the coming National Assembly session and discussed the latest international and regional developments. In this regard, the Cabinet congratulated Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh on re-election, wishing him success in his mission and wishing his country more progress and welfare. (KUNA)