Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has lifted mandatory wearing of face masks in public places.
Addressing the press, Kagwe has encouraged all Kenyans to continue adhering to the public health and social measures and exercise personal responsibility.
“Kenyans are encouraged to ensure frequent hand washing with soap and water, use hand sanitizers at all times and generally make a movement of being clean and a hygienic nation,” stated Kagwe
‘’Wearing of face masks has had a lot of debate and discussions to continue as one of the containment measures, therefore the mandatory wearing of face masks in open public spaces is now lifted, ” he said.
Kagwe also told Kenyans to maintain social distance and avoid crowding in public spaces to ensure risk of spread is limited. He however said that masks should be used in all in door functions. The interfaith council will advise on the protocols in places of worship.
He added that positive asymptomatic cases need not to isolate but just be observed for five days then allowed to return to work without need for further testing.
‘’There is a resumption of in person worship provided all congregants are vaccinated, however the interfaith council should advice on the protocols in places of worship, ‘he added
Kagwe said all PSVs and trains may resume at full capacity but insisted on the staff to be fully vaccinated while all travelers should have face masks at all times during travel. Travelers who are fully vaccinated shall be exempted from the requirements of a test. Children below the age of 15 are exempted in any event from this requirement.
So far 323,140 people have tested positive of Covid-19 out of 3,423,203 samples 317, 465 recovered and 5,644 fatalities.
By Dorine Oundo