KUWAIT: Several owners of private nurseries called for including their businesses among those reopened as part of stage four of returning to normal life, and preparing health guidelines and a clear working plan to resume their activities. They made their demands following a recent meeting during which they examined the situation of nurseries, the negative effects of being closed for a long period and not including them in any gradual return stages despite the importance of their activities, Al-Qabas reported yesterday.

They asked for a meeting with the social affairs minister to discuss their situation and hear the ministry's view. The owners hoped that licenses will be renewed to avoid any interruption of their interests, especially since most of their employees are now in violation of the residency law.

In the meantime, Al-Qabas quoted informed sources at the health ministry who said that it has field teams to ensure compliance with health instructions to prevent coronavirus infections in the places that were allowed to resume activities in the fourth stage, which include barbershops, beauty salons, gyms and spas, in addition to public transportation buses and dine-in services at restaurants and cafés.

They said that there are procedures to be taken in case any violation or virus cases are detected. The sources said there are special teams monitoring compliance by restaurants, salons and cafes of health conditions, adding that in case of any violation, legal action will be taken against the facility and those who work in it. Furthermore, they indicated that a ministerial committee from the health and commerce ministry following the implementation of health conditions in the said places.

Those who violate health conditions in the places that resumed their activities will face rules mentioned in article 17 of law 8/1969, which calls for a maximum jail period of three months and a maximum fine of KD 5,000 or either penalty. If any coronavirus cases are found, preventive health teams will be informed, the sources said.

Those who are aware of being infected and are deliberately are out of home quarantine are advised to comply with the conditions to avoid legal action, as they may face a maximum of 10 years in jail and a minimum of KD 30,000 fine or either punishment for deliberately transmitting the infection to others.