The government has confirmed 8 more Coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of patients in Kenya to 15. Speaking to the press, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said of the 8, 5 are Kenyans, 2 are French and 1 is Mexican. They all came into Kenya through JKIA between 4th to 17th March and all have been isolated. 363 contacts who came into contact with the new cases are currently being traced.
In response to that, all international flights have been banned effective from Wednesday. All bars will be closed, effective Sunday midnight, restaurants will remain opened but only for take away services.
Furthermore, all religious and social gatherings have been suspended with immediate effect with national government administration officers directed to ensure all churches, mosques remain closed. CS Kagwe decried the fact that Kenyans have neglected the government directives to keep away from public gatherings, “This is what happened to Italy,” he said. Stressing on the importance of social distancing, CS Kagwe said among the new cases, some came in as tourists and may have visited hotels and bars and may have come into contact with anyone, “Just stay at home!” he affirmed.
PSVs have also been directed to adhere to prior guidelines issued to observe social distancing, including the maximum number of passengers to ferry. Interior PS Karanja Kibicho said the government will closely monitor how the directives are enforced on the ground, straight from the command centre. Police IG Hillary Mutyambai said officers will start enforcing directives from Sunday midnight, starting with the closure of bars.