The COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait was a part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus 2019 () caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (). The first confirmed case in Kuwait was announced on 24 February 2020.
Background On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.
The case fatality ratio for COVID-19 has been much lower than SARS of 2003, but the transmission has been significantly greater, with a significant total death toll.
Timeline
February 2020 On 24 February, Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced that there were 3 cases detected coming from Iran that carry coronavirus disease 2019. The first person was a Kuwait I national, 53 years old, while the second was a Saudi national, 61 years old, and the third was a person from the stateless community. Later, 2 cases were announced on that same day. At the end of 24 February, there were 5 confirmed cases in Kuwait.
On 25 February, Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced that there were 4 new cases coming from Iran with coronavirus disease 2019. At the end of 25 February, there were 9 confirmed cases in Kuwait.
On 26 February, Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced that 16 news cases have been reported with the novel coronavirus, associated with travel to Iran. At the end of 26 February, there were 25 confirmed cases in Kuwait.
On 27 February, Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced new 18 cases associated with travel to Iran. At the end of 27 February, there were 43 confirmed cases in Kuwait.
On 28 February, Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced new 2 cases associated with travel to Iran. At the end of 28 February, there were 45 confirmed cases in Kuwait.
On 29 February, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced that there were no new cases. At the end of February, there were 45 confirmed cases in Kuwait.
March 2020 On 11 March, Kuwaiti Directorate General of Civil Aviation has suspended all travel, except cargo flights, to and from Kuwait starting from 13 March, effectively locking down the nation until further notice.
On 12 March, Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced 8 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 80.
On 13 March, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced 20 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 100. The Public Authority Of Agriculture Affairs And Fish Resources closed public parks, and the ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs announced just before noon prayers for Muslims to pray from home and not to attend Friday prayers during a pandemic.