No Entry Restrictions for Unvaccinated People in Kuwait
The Claim
Kuwaiti authorities prohibit entry into some public places for those who have not received vaccinations against COVID-19.
News posted on
Emerging story
Social media users and news websites, particularly in Kuwait, are circulating a claim that the Ministry of Interior released a statement prohibiting entry into markets and commercial places for anyone not vaccinated against COVID-19.
The news is shared by an image from the Ministry with Arabic texts that say:
“No entry to markets, commercial complexes, and official (government) buildings except after vaccination against Coronavirus and presenting the vaccination card.”
Users were upset and questioned where they would purchase essential items. Others called it the “beginning of an era of slavery.”
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s investigation didn't find any evidence to support this claim. We searched for an official statement from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior’s official accounts.
None of the official bodies released any statements restricting entry to markets or government buildings, nor did any credible sources report about it.
Upon further investigation, the source of the false claim was found. A Kuwaiti citizen had appealed to authorities in a tweet.
— مبارك فيصل الفضلي (@alfdhli81) February 18, 2021
Translation:
“We hope that the government will not allow people who have not received the vaccine against the Coronavirus from entering markets, commercial complexes, and official authorities so that the person shows the card to take the vaccine when he goes to these places.”
News sites, Hadeeth Albalad, Awwalkwt, Trndkwt shared the claim asking the public for their opinion.
However, the Misbar team confirms that at the time of this article the claim is fake, and Kuwaiti authorities have not placed any entry restrictions for those not vaccinated against COVID-19, but implore the public to get vaccinated promptly.
