Sri Lanka calls on those who seek employment in Kuwait to be cautious due to the outbreak of swine flu

(September 03, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform all concerned that there is an outbreak of swine flu in Kuwait that has caused infections of over 1200 people including 5 deaths as of 2nd September. It is reported by the Kuwaiti health authorities that over 99% of those infected have recovered and that they are well equipped to handle any emergency situation.

According to the WHO sources, swine flu epidemic in Kuwait is expected to worsen in the coming months which coincide with flu season in the Gulf during September – November period. The large migrant community in Kuwait is particularly vulnerable to swine flu outbreak with their high rate of mobility.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has alerted the Sri Lankan authorities including the ministries of Foreign Employment Promotion & Welfare and Health & Nutrition, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) and the media regarding the current situation of swine flu and its implications for the large Sri Lankan expat community. The Sri Lanka Embassy in Kuwait also has taken measures to keep the Kuwait authorities duly informed of the risks involved with regard to the transmission of disease among the vulnerable sections of the society and sought their assistance to carry out health check ups on individuals needing such preventive measures and medication. An awareness campaign has been launched in Kuwait to educate the diaspora on the situation with expert advice to control the spread of infection. The Sri Lanka Embassy is closely monitoring the situation on the ground and would keep the authorities in Sri Lanka updated with all developments with a view to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Sri Lankans.

As a precautionary measure, the Foreign Ministry would like to caution Sri Lankan workers seeking employment in Kuwait to be vigilant and seek advice from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment Promotion & Welfare, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and the concerned authorities with regard to the risks involved in travelling to Kuwait during this period.

However, it is noted that in spite of the current outbreak of swine flu, there has been no government restrictions/advisory issued by the Kuwait government against people entering Kuwait for employment and otherwise which may also equally apply for Sri Lankans seeking employment
-Sri Lanka Guardian