KUWAIT CITY, Aug 11: MP Muhammad Al-Hewaila has submitted a proposal to reduce the PCR test fee from KD 20 to KD 10. He disclosed the objective of the proposal is to alleviate the suffering of citizens and expatriates who intend to travel, affirming that his proposal is in accordance with the Constitution which guarantees free health care and prevention services for citizens.

In the meantime, MP Farz Al-Daihani forwarded queries to Minister of Commerce and Industry Abdullah Essa Al- Salman about the legal basis of the decision on the resumption of regular working hours, 100 percent employees’ attendance, and implementation of the fingerprint attendance system. He requested for a copy of the study used as basis to issue such a decision, if any. He asked if it is dangerous to use fingerprint devices and if these devices contribute to increasing the number of COVID-19 cases. If yes, he wants to know the rationale behind the abovementioned decision. If no, why did the authorities stopped the use of fingerprint devices at the beginning of the crisis? He also inquired if the space in public institutions is big enough to maintain social distancing upon resumption of the 100 percent attendance of employees, plan on the implementation of health regulations including the frequent sterilization of fingerprint devices, and steps that will be taken in case one or more employees gets infected with coronavirus. By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh Arab Times Staff