CAPITALS: Kuwait called on its nationals in the UK on Friday to comply with government health and safety measures aimed to curb the spread of coronavirus. Kuwait's embassy in London reiterated the importance of adhering to social distancing, in a statement, alongside the need to wear facemasks in public spaces, particularly restaurants, shops and on public transport. Commitment to these measures is to protect peoples' lives and to prevent the spread of the virus, the embassy added, warning that those found not wearing a facemask could face legal charges and a fine of up to GBP 100 pounds ($130).

Kuwaiti citizens were urged to contact the embassy consulate department's 24-hour hotline 0207-590-3400 if in need of assistance. "The UK and the rest of the world are facing their toughest challenge since WWII as COVID-19 has caused the death of more than one million people to date, according to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics," the embassy said.

The British government, since mid-September, has introduced strict measures across several cities, including the likes of Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Nottingham, in a bid to halt the spread of the disease. These consist of the prevention of convergence between different family members and the closing of restaurants, cafes, gyms and entertainment venues.

Serbia
Meanwhile, Kuwait's Embassy in Belgrade on Friday appealed to its nationals in Serbia to stick necessarily to preventive and precautionary measures as well as instructions taken by the authorities so as to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). In a statement distributed to press, the embassy said that Kuwaitis should abide by health restrictions in Serbia like wearing facemask in indoor and public areas in order to avoid deterioration in the country's health situation.

Over the last days, Serbia has witnessed a noticeable rise in coronavirus infections, needs for care in hospitals and intensive care units, according to the statement. The embassy stressed the importance of being committed to WHO's instructions like keeping away from the crowded areas and staying at home as much as possible as well as others.

Montenegro
In Montenegro, the embassy in a statement advised its citizens to abide by procedures and restrictions applied there, mainly wearing facemask and banning gatherings for more than 40 people in outdoor places and 20 persons in indoor areas. In light of the high rates of coronavirus infections, competent authorities in Montenegro have decided to impose a curfew from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am in Kolasin Municipality and ban visits in some areas. The embassy affirmed that it is ready to reply to all inquiries of citizens so as to provide required advice and services to ensure protecting them from the virus. It urged them to call in emergency at: 0038162259374.

Greece
Kuwait has called on its nationals in Greece to adhere to measures issued by local health authorities aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus. Kuwait's embassy in Athens, in a statement, also warned its citizens against leaving their homes during curfew hours. The embassy told its nationals to call (+30) 69-4301-0301 in the event of an emergency.

France
In France, Kuwait's embassy called on its nationals to adhere to new measures aimed at curbing spiraling coronavirus rates, a day before France goes back into a nationwide lockdown. The measures announced by President Emmanuel Macron, which came into force on Friday, mean that people are only allowed out of their homes for essential purposes such as buying goods or seeking medical attention, said an embassy statement.

It urged Kuwaiti citizens to fully comply with the new rules, adding that anyone in need of urgent assistance should call 0033147235425 or 0033670673834. The new nationwide lockdown, France's second in as many months, will last until at least December 1, Macron said. - KUNA