KUWAIT CITY, March 10: The National Assembly Office on Tuesday discussed procedures taken by the government to confront and prevent further spread of coronavirus upon the invitation of Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim.

HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled attended the meeting, along with Information Minister Mohammad Al-Jabri, Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Nasser, Health Minister Sheikh Dr Bassel Al-Sabah, Education and Higher Education Minister Saud Al-Harbi, Commerce and Industry Minister Khalid Al-Rawdan, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anas Al-Saleh and 27 MPs.

Besides discussing measures taken by the government, the meeting was also aimed at taking into consideration the suggestions of MPs and responding to their queries. Al-Ghanim held a press conference in his office after the meeting with the premier; as well as the Information, Foreign Affairs, Health, Education, Higher Education, Commerce, Industry and Interior ministers in attendance.

He disclosed the five-hour meeting included the presentation of concerned ministers on the decisions and procedures taken by the government in curbing the spread of coronavirus.

He added that during the meeting, he stressed the importance of avoiding political flattery and to put national security on top of priorities. He also confirmed that the friendly and sisterly countries affected by the decisions of the government fully understand such measures.

He said these countries helped Kuwait in implementing the decisions. He went on to say that he designated MPs Muhammad Al-Dallal and Riyad Al-Adasani to closely monitor the situation and draft laws needed in dealing with coronavirus, including penalties for violators.

In conclusion, Al-Ghanim stressed that Kuwait will overcome this crisis as it managed to do so in many previous crises.

Suspension
Meanwhile, asked if the government will extend the suspension of flights to and from some countries; Al-Saleh said the Cabinet holds daily meetings to assess the situation and take decisions accordingly. He clarified that the suspension of flights will be extended if necessary and such a decision will be issued at the right time.

On ending the academic year, Al-Saleh said the Cabinet has not taken a decision in this regard so far. He pointed out that before any decision is taken, it is studied well and its consequences are considered. He also appealed to the media and social media platforms to be careful and to verify information prior to publication in order to prevent the spread of inaccurate information.

Furthermore, MPs Saadoun Hammad and Muhammad Hair left before the meeting ended. In a press statement, Hair affirmed that he listened to the procedures taken by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and other concerned institutions. He said these institutions deserve commendation for the tremendous efforts they are exerting to deal with the crisis. On the other hand, Hammad disclosed that he asked the education minister to end the academic year for all stages.

He suggested declaring students in grades one to 11 as passed and then allow them to move to the next academic stage. He added the first semester results of grade 12 students should be considered the final results, hoping for approval from the government.

In addition, MP Adel Al-Damkhi said every minister presented the procedures taken by his ministry; indicating there are positive steps which he supports, but he is concerned about some negative issues that he hopes will not be repeated in the future.

He asserted this is the time for everyone to cooperate and support each other, instead of raising questions. He then urged citizens and expatriates to cooperate in order to triumph over the crisis.

By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh Arab Times Staff