Kuwait to halt commercial passenger flights, declare public holiday

Expatriates are seen in line as they need to take a coronavirus clearance certificate, after returning from vacations, following the outbreak of the virus, at a health clinic in Subhan, Kuwait March 9, 2020. (Reuters)

• Kuwait would also ‘forbid’ its residents meeting in ‘restaurants, cafes and commercial centers’

KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait will suspend all commercial flights leaving from and arriving at Kuwait City International Airport "from Friday until further notice" to forestall the spread of coronavirus, state media reported Wednesday.
The country will "forbid" its residents meeting in "restaurants, cafes and commercial centres", the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) said.
Cargo planes will still be permitted, KUNA reported.
The "arrival of Kuwaitis and their closest relatives" will also be allowed, the agency said, without specifying how this travel would be facilitated.
Authorities also announced a public holiday in the country from March 12 to March 26, with work resuming on March 29, KUNA said, adding that entities providing vital services would remain open.
The ministry of Islamic affairs will disseminate messages "warning on the dangers of gatherings" and informing worshippers on how to avoid infections at mosques.
Kuwait and other Gulf nations had already imposed restrictions on air travel with countries heavily affected by coronavirus, notably Iran, where authorities say 354 people have so far been killed by the disease.

(AFP and Reuters)