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Kuwaiti evacuees from Iran in good health - MoH

KUWAIT, Feb 22 (KUNA) -- Minister of Health Sheikh Dr. Basel Al-Sabah said all Kuwaiti nationals, who arrived from Iran aboard the first evacuation flight amid concerns over new coronavirus, are "in good health and high spirits." A Kuwait Airways flight arrived at Sheikh Saad Terminal 3 of Kuwait International Airport at 6:00 pm. (local time) on Saturday with 130 Kuwaiti passengers, the first batch of 750 citizens slated for evacuation.
Speaking to reporters, Sheikh Dr. Basel said the health authorities verified that all arrivals are free from the new coronavirus (COVID-19) or any other communicable diseases.
"The Ministry of Health instructed all preventive healthcare departments countrywide to enact the measures outlined by the relevant international protocols," he pointed out.
On coordination with the Iranian side, the minister said a team of public health practitioners arrived at an Iranian airport and were supposed, by prior arrangement with the Iranians, to conduct medical checkups for the evacuees at the terminal there.
"However, the Iranian authorities denied them entry into the terminal to complete the medical procedures, which forced conducting these measures at Kuwait airport," he explained. Asked on the number of Kuwaiti citizens in Iran, Sheikh Dr. Basel said the figures of his ministry show that 750 citizens are in Iranian cities, mainly in Tehran and Mashhad.
"They will be brought back aboard five flights as per the arrangements with the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (GDCA)," he said, noting that the preventive measures are enforces at all air and land ports.
The minister denied as "totally untrue" the rumors, circulated on social media websites, on alleged COVID-19 infections in the country. (end) mak.msa.gb