President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday afternoon gave a press briefing on the state of coronavirus in Kenya.
The president who has not been seen in public for quite some time ordered all academic institutions to close because of the coronavirus pandemic. He further revealed that two more cases of coronavirus have been diagnosed in Kenya, bringing the total to three.
Uhuru directed the suspension of flights and travels to and from coronavirus infested countries in the next 48 hours. He also asked that all persons who have come into Kenya in the last 14 days MUST Self-quarantine.
While the patients are undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital, private companies and government offices have been encouraged to allow employees to work from home.
Directives
Following the three cases, President Kenyatta:
- Suspended entry into Kenya by people from all countries affected by the Covid-19 disease for 30 days. This will take effect in the next 48 hours. He said that only Kenyan citizens and foreigners with permits will be allowed into the country provided they quarantine.
- Ordered the self-quarantine of all people who have entered Kenya over the last 14 days. He said they should go to hospitals for checks should they exhibit symptoms
- Suspended learning in all institutions. Primary and secondary day schools will suspend operations from Monday with boarding schools doing the same by Wednesday. Universities and tertiary institutions will be closed by Friday.
- Asked government offices and businesses to allow employees to work from home.
- Urged cashless transactions to prevent the risk of transmission through physical handling of money.
- Asked the public to avoid congregating and visited crowded places such as malls.
- Asked hospitals, malls and other such establishments to provide soap, water and sanitizers.
- Warned traders of stern action against hoarding of goods and unfair price increases as economy takes a hit. While noting the Competition Authority’s clear instructions on trade following severe economic impacts of the virus across the world, President Kenyatta said these practices will not be tolerated.
Vague directive
Although Uhuru Kenyatta’s directives on coronavirus containment are welcome, the government has fallen short of announcing specific countries whose nationals are banned.
Secondly, the president should’ve expressly announced a ban on church gatherings.
Uhuru’s directive to stay on for 30 days.
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